Diri leads teeming followers across eight LGAs to APC

Bayelsa governor, Senator Douye Diri, has rewritten the political history of Bayelsa State as he led over 75 percent members of the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, (APC) on Monday.

The ceremony, attended by the leadership of the APC and former members of the PDP, was held at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

The arena was adorned with brooms with significant acceptance of the APC as a ruling party in the state.

Governor Diri, in his address submitted that the PDP is not what it used to be in the past as the unity and common purpose that once sustained it has eroded.

According to him, over time, the unity and common purpose that once sustained the party eroded. Despite our best efforts to reform and restore it, the internal dynamics made meaningful renewal increasingly difficult. That point is well documented.

“After wide consultations and careful consideration, we have today formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This was a strategic, collaborative decision. While the justification for this decision may not be immediately apparent to some, you have my assurance that it was taken in the best interests of our people and for the accelerated development of the state.

On the APC, the governor said Tinubu has shown himself to be a steadfast supporter of the Ijaw people and a friend to Bayelsa State. Permit me to give a few concrete examples.

Buttressing his point, the governor disclosed that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project is moving from desire to reality, and Bayelsa stands to gain from improved connectivity and economic opportunity.

“During my 2023 re-election campaign, we all observed the president’s commitment to fairness. Despite expectations to the contrary, federal resources were not used to skew the contest and the will of the people prevailed. This was despite the fact that, at the time, my main opponent was a member of his party and I was not.

“Our dear Nembe-Brass Road, which was on the drawing board for over six decades and for which I had met with the previous government on several occasions, received prompt federal attention after we raised it with the President just once.

“A contractor was mobilised to continue with the second phase of the project, which the state had started at a significant cost – a clear demonstration of what constructive engagement can achieve.

“When I flagged the excessive tax burden on importing our 60-megawatt gas turbines, the president graciously agreed to a waiver to ease that pressure. These are examples of how a partnership with the federal government can remove obstacles to development.

“Another clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to our state’s prosperity is the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s strong endorsement of the Agge Deep Seaport project.

“We recognize the multiplier effect this investment will bring, including unlocking our marine resources, expanding trade and industry, creating jobs, and helping us diversify our economy away from oil and gas.

“Given these actions, it was natural for us to align with leadership that is prepared to act in Bayelsa’s best interest. Our choice is driven by outcomes — by what advances our people’s welfare”

“I bear no ill-will towards the few that elected to remain in the PDP. I recognise and respect the service of colleagues who have worked for our state.

“My decision is about pursuing the best path to deliver results, not about casting blame on individuals who have served diligently.

“When debates end and ballots are counted, Bayelsa remains one people with one destiny. Our political choices may differ, but our shared heritage and future bind us more strongly than any political party”.