Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has advised politicians to change political parties only out of genuine conviction, stressing that politics is dynamic and driven by alignments and realignments in the overall interest of the people.
Governor Diri made the remark on Monday night while speaking at the January edition of the monthly Praise Night held at Government House, Yenagoa. The governor, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October 2025, said his decision was guided by careful consultation, prayer and personal conviction.
Diri officially resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025, and was formally received into the APC on November 3, 2025, at a well-attended event in Yenagoa, where top party leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, were present.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor explained that political movement was a legitimate part of democratic practice and should never be driven by fear, coercion or blind loyalty.
“There is no static nature in politics because we have alignments and re-alignments. The reason we are in politics is for the development and progress of our state,” Diri said.
“I do not just take decisions. I consult, I pray, and my spirit tells me where I should go. Most of you know my political trajectory. I have moved from one party to another. I moved from the National Solidarity Movement, and when the party was dying, we moved to the PDP and later to the Labour Party,” he added.
According to the governor, his return to the PDP from the Labour Party was a defining moment in his political journey, noting that remaining in a political platform without prospects could have denied him the opportunity to serve as governor.
“In the Labour Party, we realised that we had met a brick wall, and that was when I was invited to join the PDP again. Assuming I did not move, maybe I would not have become governor today,” he stated.
Diri urged politicians to resist becoming political slaves to individuals, stressing that each person’s destiny is unique.
“Movement is allowed in politics. Changing camps is allowed, but do it out of conviction. Do not be a slave to anyone. Your destiny is not the same as the next person’s destiny,” he said.
He further questioned the legacy leaders intend to leave behind, warning against sacrificing peace and unity on the altar of personal ambition.
“What are we handing over to our children? Do we hand over confusion, misunderstanding and enmity because of somebody’s personal interest?” the governor asked.
On governance and development, Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructural growth and economic development across the state. He expressed optimism that the 630-metre bridge across the River Nun at Angiama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area would be completed in the first quarter of the year.
The governor also disclosed that work was being expedited on the Nembe–Brass Road project, noting that while the entire project might not be completed this year, the first phase would significantly ease movement, allowing commuters to board boats to Brass in under 20 minutes.
Speaking on power supply, Diri described Bayelsa’s acquisition of 60-megawatt gas turbines as a landmark achievement, noting that it was the first of its kind by any state government in the country. He said his administration was committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The governor also expressed gratitude to the clergy, Bayelsans, security agencies and sympathisers from within and outside the state for their support and goodwill during the burial of his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing the event as peaceful and dignified.
Addressing speculations about a rift between him and his late deputy following his defection to the APC, Diri dismissed such claims, stating that there was no problem between them.
He explained that Ewhrudjakpo approached the court without informing him out of fear of impeachment but later apologised and agreed to withdraw the case.
“Nobody could have impeached him if I did not approve of it,” the governor stated.
In a sermon at the praise night, the General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, urged worshippers to recognise and appreciate God’s love and power. He commended the Bayelsa State Government for sustaining the monthly praise night and prayed that the Prosperity Administration would finish strong.
Comments
Post a Comment