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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Ahead of his formal reception into the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, stated that his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in the best interest of the state.
Governor Diri, who spoke on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, stated that someone had to make the decision, and he took it on behalf of the Bayelsans.
It was the first time he spoke publicly on the issue after he resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025.
Governor Diri explained that some persons might not understand his decision for joining the ruling party, but that with the passage of time, it would become clear that his reasons were altruistic.
He expressed delight over the gathering of different political leaders at the Thanksgiving service, stressing that the unity of Bayelsa was crucial for its development.
He stated that politics should be for development and not to bring people down, and that his administration will continue to unite and develop the state.
The Bayelsa helmsman also said that the current peace and security in the state and its ongoing development were reasons to be grateful to God and urged the people to imbibe the culture of thanksgiving.
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His words: “Somebody had to make 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.
“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 are another reason to thank God.
“Politics is for development and not to kill your brother. The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state.”
In his remarks, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described Diri as a godsend to the state, owing to his visible developmental strides.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who said he was excited to be attending the annual thanksgiving for the first time, described Diri as a unifier.
Lokpobiri said the governor’s recent political move was timely as the state can no longer afford to be in opposition when key developmental decisions are being made at the centre.
