Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, has justified his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it was made in the best interest of the state’s development.
Diri is set to formally join the ruling party alongside members of the state executive council, lawmakers, two serving senators, and other political leaders in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Monday.
Speaking during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, the governor said aligning Bayelsa with the ruling party at the federal level would facilitate progress.
He acknowledged that some might not immediately understand his decision but expressed confidence that time would prove him right.
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“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all,” Diri said.
In a statement by Dan Alabrah, Diri’s chief press secretary, the governor said his administration has focused on completing inherited projects and initiating new ones to drive development across Bayelsa since taking office.
“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,” he said.
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“That alone is enough reason to thank God. The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God.”
Diri urged Bayelsans to prioritise peace and unity, adding that politics should serve as a platform for development rather than division.
“Politics is for development and not to kill your brother. The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state,” he said.
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