Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has advised politicians to change political parties only out of personal conviction and in the interest of development, stressing that politics is dynamic and allows for alignments and re-alignments.
The governor made the remarks on Monday night at the January edition of the monthly Praise Night held at the Government House, Yenagoa, where he reflected on his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Diri, who resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025, and was formally received into the APC on November 3, 2025, said his decision was guided by consultation, prayer, and conviction, rather than external pressure.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor said the primary purpose of politics was the development and progress of the state.
“There is no static nature in politics. We have alignments and re-alignments. I do not just take decisions; I consult, I pray, and my spirit tells me where to go,” Diri was quoted as saying.
He traced his political journey across several parties, including the National Solidarity Movement, the PDP, and the Labour Party, noting that his willingness to move when necessary played a key role in his emergence as governor.
“So, in politics, movement is allowed. Changing camps is allowed, but do it out of conviction. Do not be a slave to anyone,” he said, adding that leaders must focus on what legacy they would leave for future generations.
On governance, Diri said his administration was intensifying efforts to consolidate development across the state. He expressed optimism that the 630-metre Angiama Bridge across the River Nun in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area would be completed in the first quarter of the year.
He also disclosed that while the Nembe–Brass Road project would not be fully completed this year, the ongoing phase would significantly reduce travel time, enabling commuters to reach Brass by boat in under 20 minutes.
On power supply, the governor described the acquisition of the state’s 60-megawatt gas turbines as a landmark achievement, noting that the project was aimed at creating an enabling environment for economic growth.
Diri further appreciated the clergy, residents of Bayelsa State, security agencies, and sympathisers from within and outside the state for their support during the burial of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
He clarified that there was no personal conflict between him and his late deputy following his defection to the APC, explaining that Ewhrudjakpo had approached the court without informing him due to fears of impeachment but later apologised and agreed to withdraw the case.
“Nobody could have impeached him if I did not approve it,” the governor said.
In a sermon during the praise night, the General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, urged worshippers to appreciate God’s love and power, while commending the state government for sustaining the monthly praise programme and praying that the Prosperity Government would finish strong.
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