Bayelsa Governor opens door for dialogue with Deputy over party difference
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said he will not compel his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during the weekly State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa, Diri said that, as a matter of principle, he believes in engagement rather than confrontation and would continue to hold discussions with his deputy on political matters.
The governor admitted that it is challenging for both of them to belong to different political parties but expressed optimism that ongoing engagements would yield positive outcomes.
He disclosed that the case filed by Ewhrudjakpo at a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop a purported impeachment plan had been discontinued following discussions between them.
Diri urged residents of the state to embrace peace and unity, stressing that politics should be viewed as a tool for development rather than division.
“I express gratitude to the people of our state for the successful and well-attended Thanksgiving Day service. The spirit of oneness and love is what we should continue to exhibit,” the governor said.
“I also thank the people for the massive turnout at the sports complex during our defection. I appreciate the leadership of our party, led by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, and pledge our loyalty to continue working for a better Nigeria and the upliftment of our people’s living standards.”
Diri resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15 and joined the APC, citing compelling reasons for his decision. His deputy, however, has yet to follow him into the ruling party.
