Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, has declared that he will not force his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
After leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15, Diri formally joined the APC on November 3. He stated that he favors communication and understanding over political pressure.
Speaking on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting at Government House in Yenagoa, Diri responded to persistent rumors in the media regarding the political views of his deputy.
He remarked, “Let me address an issue that has been a subject of speculation in the media. I want to persuade individuals to see my point of view rather than coerce them into joining the APC. I might be in charge now, but not tomorrow.
He continued by saying that although it is still difficult for a governor and his deputy to be members of opposing political parties, talks between him and Ewhrudjakpo were continuing and producing fruitful outcomes.
In reality, it is challenging for the governor to support one side while the deputy supports another. However, we’ll keep talking, and tomorrow we might wind up at the same party,” he remarked.
Withdrawal of the Court Case Following reconciliation, Governor Diri also revealed that Ewhrudjakpo had dropped the lawsuit he had filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from impeaching him for refusing to defect.
The governor claims that the two leaders’ mutual understanding and private conversations led to the resolution.
He emphasized that peace and stability are more important to his government than political unrest.
“The politics must not be heated. In Bayelsa State, we have had enough of bloodshed. We are one and we are brothers. He said that politics should be used to advance the state rather than to incite conflict.
Diri called the claimed arrival of armed men in the state “fake news” and advised locals to maintain their composure.
He reassured them that security services had been informed and were prepared to deal with any real threats.
“One of the safest states in the nation is still Bayelsa. Instead of disseminating lies on social media, our people should disclose security concerns to the appropriate authorities, he suggested.
Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, the Commissioner for Health, gave Diri an award from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum designating Bayelsa as the “Best State in Health Insurance Service Delivery” during the executive meeting.
A “Distinguished Governor Award for Outstanding Support to SWAN and Contribution to Sports Development in Nigeria” from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria was also given to the governor by Dr. Daniel Igali, Commissioner for Sports.
