Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was taken in the overall interest of the state, describing it as a step towards ensuring unity and sustained development.
Speaking on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri announced his move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC was a difficult but necessary decision for Bayelsa’s future.
"Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP) and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now but later it will be clear to all," he said.
The governor, who resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025, said politics should not be a tool for division but for development, stressing that the unity of Bayelsa was crucial for peace and progress.
"When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God.
"The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God," he said.
Diri disclosed that his administration would continue to pursue unity and progress, urging Bayelsans to maintain a spirit of thanksgiving for the state’s stability and growth.
Representing the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, at the event, Senior Policy Adviser Rt Hon Funkekeme Solomon said Bayelsa’s strength lay in its unity.
He commended Diri’s leadership and urged the people to remain supportive of his administration.
Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, lauded Diri as a "unifier," saying his political realignment was timely and strategic.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described Governor Diri as "a godsend to the state," citing his developmental strides and praying for divine wisdom to guide him.
Delivering the sermon, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, spoke on the theme "Reasons Why We Should Thank God," urging Bayelsans to remain steadfast in faith, assuring that God never abandons His people.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; the governor’s wives, Dr Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri; the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas; and several National Assembly members, traditional rulers, clerics, and captains of industry.
Also present were Chief David Lyon, former Deputy Governor Rt Hon Peremobowei Ebebi, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, and former Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
The event featured musical ministration by gospel artiste Asu Ekiye and drew a large crowd of worshippers and guests from across the Niger Delta.
READ ALSO: Ogbuku Denies Media Report Linking His Purported Arrest to Gov Diri
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Governor Douye Diri says joining the APC is in Bayelsa’s best interest, stressing unity and development at the state’s annual Thanksgiving Day.
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