Defection: Why I’m joining APC — Bayelsa Gov Diri

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was made in the interest of the state.

Diri made this statement on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa.

DAILY POST reports that it was the first time he spoke publicly on the issue after resigning from the PDP on October 15.

According to him, some people might not understand his decision to join the ruling party, but, with time, it would become clear that his reasons were altruistic.

The governor expressed happiness over the gathering of different political leaders at the Thanksgiving service, emphasising that the unity of Bayelsa was crucial for its development.

The two-term governor maintained that politics should be a tool for development, not a means to bring people down, and that his administration would continue to unite and advance the state.

According to him, the prevailing peace and security in the state, alongside its ongoing development, were reasons to be thankful to God. He also urged the people to imbibe the culture of thanksgiving.

He said, “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.
“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. Politics is for development and not to kill your brother. The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state.”