Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said that his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was taken in the overall interest of the state.
According to a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Alabrah, speaking on Sunday at the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Governor Diri stated that though some people may not immediately understand his decision, time would reveal that his motives were purely in the interest of Bayelsa.
It was the first time the governor publicly addressed the matter since his resignation from the PDP on October 15, 2025, ahead of his formal reception into the APC scheduled for Monday, November 3.
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According to him, leadership sometimes requires taking difficult but necessary decisions for the collective good.
“Somebody had to make the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state,” he said. “I took it in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all.”
Governor Diri expressed delight over the presence of political leaders from different parties at the thanksgiving, noting that their unity reflected the growing peace and harmony in the state. He emphasised that politics should be used as a tool for development and not division.
“When we came in as a government, we focused on completing abandoned projects and initiating new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God. The peace and security we are enjoying are another reason to be grateful,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Delta State Governor Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, commended Bayelsa’s unity, noting that the state’s progress was rooted in its collective harmony. He urged the people to continue supporting the Diri administration and commended the state for institutionalising a culture of thanksgiving.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Governor Diri as a unifier and lauded his decision to align with the ruling party, saying the move was timely and strategic for Bayelsa’s development.
Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the governor as “a godsend to Bayelsa”, citing his visible developmental strides. He prayed for God’s wisdom to guide him in serving the people effectively.
Delivering the sermon titled *“Reasons Why We Should Thank God”,* General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, urged Bayelsans to remain grateful, assuring that those who make God their Alpha and Omega will continue to experience divine favour.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; the wives of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri; wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas; Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Sunday Katung (Kaduna South); Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; and the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Matilda Ayemieye.
Also present were the former Governor of old Rivers State and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha, widow of Bayelsa’s first civilian governor; former deputy governors Rt Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); the 2019 Bayelsa APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon; and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare.
Popular gospel artiste Asu Ekiye led the worship session at the colourful event attended by religious leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and top government officials.