Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has publicly defended his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, insisting the move was taken “in the best interest of the state” and not for personal political gain.
Speaking for the first time on the decision during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day service in Yenagoa, the governor said the state needed to align with national power for sustained development.
Addressing a packed Ecumenical Centre on Sunday, Diri said Bayelsa could no longer afford to remain isolated in the opposition while major political and economic decisions affecting the Niger Delta were being shaped at the federal level.
He added that although some individuals might not immediately understand his choice, the reasons would become clearer with time.
“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state,” he declared. “It was a move taken in the best interest of Bayelsa. You may not understand now, but in the future it will be clear to everyone.”
The governor noted that Bayelsa had enjoyed unusual peace and stability since the beginning of his administration, a development he attributed both to God’s grace and to deliberate efforts to unify political actors across divides.
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He emphasised that his commitment to unity and development remained unchanged despite the political realignment.
“Politics must be for development, not destruction,” he said. “The gathering of leaders from across party lines today is a sign of the unity we need in Bayelsa.”
The event drew political heavyweights from within and outside the state. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Funkekeme Solomon, praised Bayelsa’s culture of collective thanksgiving and urged residents to maintain unity under Diri’s leadership.
Similarly, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri described Diri as a bridge-builder, adding that Bayelsa could no longer stand apart from national political currents at a time when critical decisions affecting the region were being made in Abuja. “This move was timely,” he said. “Bayelsa cannot afford to remain in opposition.”
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, also lauded the governor’s developmental strides, calling him a “godsend” whose projects had brought renewed confidence to the state. He prayed for God’s guidance as Diri embarks on what he described as “a new phase.”
The Thanksgiving service, themed “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” featured a sermon by TREM General Overseer Bishop Mike Okonkwo, who urged citizens to remain grateful and assured them that continued reliance on God would produce victory and blessings.
The ceremony drew an impressive list of dignitaries, including lawmakers, religious leaders, former governors, monarchs, federal appointees, and senior officials who echoed the message of unity and stability.
The mood suggested that Diri’s political shift may already be gaining acceptance among influential stakeholders across the state.
Nigerian Accord
