More Questions Than Answers As Diri Explains Defection

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has continued to maintain a studied silence over the real motive behind his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking at the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri merely said his defection from the PDP was taken “in the overall interest of Bayelsa State,” offering no further explanation despite widespread curiosity among supporters and political observers.

“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state,” he said. “Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear. Politics is for development, not for harming your brother. The peace and security we enjoy today are reasons to thank God.”

The governor’s remarks have been widely interpreted as a deliberate attempt to avoid giving specifics about the circumstances surrounding his defection. Sources close to his camp suggest that the defection from the PDP may have been influenced by national alignments and strategic considerations, but Diri himself has refused to either confirm or deny such claims.

At the thanksgiving event, he highlighted the completion of inherited projects, initiation of new ones, and the prevailing peace across Bayelsa as reasons for gratitude, maintaining his focus on governance rather than politics.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, praised Diri for fostering unity and urged Bayelsans to remain supportive of his administration. The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, commended Diri as a unifier and described his defection as “timely,” suggesting that Bayelsa should not remain isolated from national political currents.

Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, lauded Diri’s development initiatives and prayed for divine guidance in his leadership.

Delivering the sermon titled “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, emphasised that thanksgiving strengthens faith and brings victory. He urged Bayelsans to remain steadfast and united under the leadership of Governor Diri.

In their goodwill messages, Senator Konbowei Benson, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), and President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, commended Diri’s contributions to peace and stability, reiterating calls for unity across the state.

Dignitaries present included Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri, the governor’s wives; Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas; Senators Benson Agadaga and Sunday Katung; Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; and other figures from politics, traditional institutions, and industry.

The 14th annual thanksgiving featured musical performances by Asu Ekiye and the Bayelsa Choir. Meanwhile, preparations have been concluded at the refurbished Samson Siasia Sports Complex ahead of Diri’s formal defection from the PDP into the APC scheduled for Monday — though he remains tight-lipped on the true reasons behind his defection that has reshaped Bayelsa’s political landscape.

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