Ahead of his formal reception into the All Progressives Congress APC, this Monday, November 3, 2025, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has explained that his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was taken in the overall interest of the state.
Speaking on Sunday, November 2, 2025, during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri said he made the move on behalf of the people of the state, adding that time would vindicate his decision.
It was the first time the governor publicly addressed his defection since resigning from the PDP on October 15, 2025.
Diri noted that while some people may not immediately understand his reasons for joining the ruling party, his action was driven by the desire to promote unity and accelerate the state’s development.
“Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP), and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all.”
The governor expressed delight at the convergence of political and religious leaders at the thanksgiving service, describing the gathering as a symbol of unity in Bayelsa.
He emphasized that politics should be a tool for development rather than division and assured that his administration would continue to pursue projects that improve the lives of the people.
“When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God. The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God,” Diri added.
The governor also urged Bayelsans to cultivate the habit of gratitude, saying that the prevailing peace and developmental progress in the state were reasons to remain thankful to God.
In his goodwill message, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, commended the unity of Bayelsa’s people and urged them to remain supportive of the Diri administration.
He praised the state for maintaining a culture of thanksgiving, describing it as an attitude that attracts divine blessings.
Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who attended the thanksgiving for the first time, described Diri as a unifier and lauded his decision to join the APC. He said the move was timely, noting that Bayelsa could no longer afford to be in opposition when crucial national development decisions were being made.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, hailed Diri’s developmental strides and described him as a “godsend” to the state. He prayed for divine wisdom to guide the governor as he continues to serve Bayelsa.
Delivering a sermon titled “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, urged the people to always express gratitude to God, assuring that those who put their trust in Him would enjoy victory and blessings.
Other dignitaries, including Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), Head of the Civil 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 President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, commended Diri’s achievements and called for continued unity in the state.
The event, attended by a wide array of political, religious, and traditional leaders, also featured the governor’s wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri; 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); and several other dignitaries.
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Among other attendees were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; Amanyanabo of Twon Brass and former governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, wife of Bayelsa’s first civilian governor; former deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi; and 2019 APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon.
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; and several ministers of God, captains of industry, and traditional rulers were also in attendance.
Popular gospel artiste, Asu Ekiye, led the congregation in spirited praise and worship during the thanksgiving celebration.
