Ahead of his formal reception into the All Progressives Congress today (Monday), the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said his decision to quit the Peoples Democratic Party was taken in the overall interest of the state.
Speaking on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri said someone had to make the move and that he did so on behalf of Bayelsans.
It was the first time he publicly addressed the issue since his resignation from the PDP on October 15, 2025.
The governor explained that although some people might not immediately understand his decision to join the ruling party, time would reveal that it was driven by altruistic motives.
Diri expressed delight at the convergence of political leaders across party lines at the Thanksgiving service, describing it as a demonstration of unity and maturity.
He said the peace and stability being experienced in the state were reasons to be thankful, adding that politics should be used to foster development rather than division.
He said, “Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state, in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all.
“When we came in as a government, we ensured that most uncompleted projects were completed and new ones were initiated. That alone is enough reason to thank God.
“The peace and security we enjoy today are also reasons for gratitude. Politics should be for development, not to destroy your brother. The gathering here is a testimony to the unity in our state.”
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Funkekeme Solomon, urged Bayelsans to remain united, stressing that the state’s progress and development depended on its people’s cohesion. He commended Bayelsa for sustaining the annual thanksgiving tradition, saying gratitude attracts divine blessings.
The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who attended the event for the first time, described Diri as a unifier. He said the governor’s defection to the APC was timely, noting that the state could no longer afford to remain in opposition when key developmental decisions were being taken at the centre.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, lauded Diri’s developmental strides, describing him as a “godsend to Bayelsa,” and prayed for divine wisdom to guide him in steering the affairs of the state.
Delivering a sermon titled “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, said thanksgiving was essential because God never abandons His children.
He assured Bayelsans that as long as they made God their Alpha and Omega, their victory and blessings were assured.
In their goodwill messages, Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), Head of Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council and former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd.), and President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, commended Diri’s leadership and urged the people to remain united.
Dignitaries at the event included the governor’s wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri; Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas; Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Sunday Katung (Kaduna South).
Others were members of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa — Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma) and Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw); Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass and former governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, widow of Bayelsa’s first civilian governor; former deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi; and the 2019 APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon.
Also present were the Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare; renowned cleric, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; as well as traditional rulers, clergy, captains of industry, and senior government officials.
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