Why I won’t force my deputy to join APC – Governor Diri
Why I won’t force my deputy to join APC – Governor Diri
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has said he will not compel his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he formally joined on November 3.
Diri, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15 citing personal reasons, made the remark during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, with Ewhrudjakpo in attendance.
The governor explained that while it may be difficult for the governor and deputy to belong to different parties, he would continue to engage Ewhrudjakpo through dialogue rather than confrontation. “It is difficult for the governor to be on one side and the deputy on another,” Diri said. “But we will continue to talk, and we might end up in the same party tomorrow.”
He disclosed that the case filed by Ewhrudjakpo at a Federal High Court in Abuja to halt a purported impeachment move had been discontinued after mutual discussions.
Diri thanked Bayelsans for their support during his official defection to the APC and at the state’s thanksgiving service, saying the large turnout reflected unity and goodwill. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their leadership and support.
“I do not intend to force anyone to join the APC but to appeal to them to see reason with me,” the governor said. “I might have the power today but not tomorrow. We must not heat up the polity. We are brothers and one people. Politics should be about development, not division.”
Responding to reports alleging the arrival of armed men in the state, Diri dismissed them as fake news, assuring that security agencies were on alert to address any possible threats. He maintained that Bayelsa remains one of the most secure states in the country and urged residents to remain calm and report genuine security concerns to the authorities.
