Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed that he will not compel his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Diri made this known on Wednesday during the weekly State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa, where his deputy was also in attendance.
The governor, who officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on November 3, said his decision was driven by conviction and the need to align with the federal government for the benefit of Bayelsa State.
However, his deputy’s refusal to leave the PDP had fuelled rumours of a possible impeachment plot, the claims that led Ewhrudjakpo to approach the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking protection from the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
Diri dismissed speculation of political tension, explaining that the court case had already been withdrawn following discussions between him and his deputy.
“As a matter of principle, I believe in dialogue, not confrontation,” the governor said. “Although it is not easy for a governor and deputy to belong to different political parties, we are brothers, and I am confident our ongoing discussions will yield positive results.”
He urged Bayelsans to embrace peace, love, and unity, describing politics as a vehicle for development rather than division.
“We are done with violence in Bayelsa. Politics should unite us, not divide us. I will continue to appeal, not compel anyone, to see reason with me. I may have power today, but not forever,” Diri added.
The governor also used the opportunity to appreciate President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their leadership, pledging loyalty and continued collaboration to advance national development.
Diri further dispelled rumours of the arrival of armed groups in the state, describing the reports as fake news. He assured residents that security agencies had been placed on alert and reiterated that Bayelsa remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
At the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, presented an award from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum naming Bayelsa as the “Best State in Health Insurance Service Delivery.”
The Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, also presented a “Distinguished Governor Award for Outstanding Support to SWAN and Contribution to Sports Development in Nigeria” from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
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