On the eve of his official reception into the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Sunday declared that his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was driven purely by the interest of Bayelsa and its people.
Speaking during the 14th Bayelsa thanksgiving day held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Governor Diri said that his defection was a deliberate move aimed at advancing the development and unity of the state.
“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state.
“It was in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some may not understand now, but time will make the reasons clear, ” he said.
It was the governor’s first public comment since he formally resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025.
Governor Diri expressed satisfaction with the presence of leaders across different political divides at the thanksgiving service, noting that such unity was essential for peace and progress in Bayelsa.
“Politics should be for development, not for destroying one another.
“When we came into government, we focused on completing inherited projects and initiating new ones. Today, we thank God for peace, security, and growth in our state, ” he said.
He urged Bayelsans to continue the tradition of thanksgiving, emphasising gratitude as a key to sustaining the state’s progress.
On his part, Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, commended Bayelsa’s culture of unity and cooperation, describing it as the backbone of the state’s development.
He said, “The strength of Bayelsa’s progress lies in the unity of its people. I urge all to continue to support Governor Diri and the vision of a peaceful, united state.”
Oborevwori also lauded the people of Bayelsa for their commitment to thanksgiving, noting that a grateful attitude attracts divine favour and stability.
Also, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who attended the event for the first time, described Governor Diri as a “unifier” whose decision to join the APC was “timely and strategic.”
According to him, Bayelsa cannot afford to remain in opposition when vital national decisions affecting development are being made at the centre.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, hailed the governor’s leadership, describing him as “a gift from God to Bayelsa.”
He prayed for divine wisdom for Diri, urging him to sustain his commitment to inclusive governance and development.
In his sermon titled “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, reminded the congregation that gratitude opens the door to divine presence and blessings.
“As long as God remains your Alpha and Omega, you will never lack victory,” the cleric assured.
Goodwill messages also poured in from several dignitaries, including Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), Head of Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council and former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), and the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba.
They all commended Diri’s administration for fostering unity and visible development across the state.
The colourful event was attended by top political, religious, and traditional leaders, including Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri, wives of the governor; Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas; Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Sunday Katung (Kaduna South).
Others included members of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, widow of the state’s first civilian governor; former Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi; and 2019 APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon.
Also present were the Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare, prominent cleric Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, as well as several ministers of God, captains of industry, and community leaders.
Renowned gospel artiste Asu Ekiye led worship sessions, lifting the congregation in spirited praise.
