Join APC, Let’s Team Up for Bayelsa’s Progress, Diri Tells Deputy
By Inemesit FRIDAY
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has appealed to his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and work together for the unity and progress of the state.
The governor made the appeal on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa, where Ewhrudjakpo was present. The deputy governor had earlier approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to restrain the state House of Assembly from initiating impeachment proceedings against him following his refusal to defect alongside Diri.
Diri, who formally joined the APC on November 3 after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15, said he would continue to pursue peace and reconciliation through dialogue rather than confrontation. He disclosed that his deputy had already withdrawn the case from court after both parties held discussions.
“I believe in engagement rather than coercion,” the governor said. “It is not ideal for the governor and his deputy to belong to opposing political camps. We will continue to engage until we reach a common understanding.”
Diri thanked Bayelsans for their massive turnout during the state’s thanksgiving service and at the rally marking his defection to the APC, describing the support as a demonstration of the people’s love and unity.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their leadership and assured them of his administration’s loyalty and commitment to improving the welfare of Bayelsans.
“I appreciate our party leaders and assure the President and his deputy that we will work for a better Nigeria and a higher standard of living for our people,” Diri said.
The governor dismissed claims that he was forcing public officials to join the APC, stressing that his approach was based on persuasion and respect for individual choice. “No one will be compelled to join the APC. Politics should unite us and drive development, not division. We are brothers and must not return to the days of violence in Bayelsa,” he added.
Reacting to rumours about the alleged influx of armed men into the state, Diri described such reports as false and urged citizens to rely on verified information. He assured that Bayelsa remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria and that security agencies have been placed on alert to prevent any threats.
During the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, presented Bayelsa’s award as the “Best State in Health Insurance Service Delivery” by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, while the Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, presented the “Distinguished Governor Award for Outstanding Support to SWAN and Contribution to Sports Development in Nigeria.”
