Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has spoken publicly for the first time about his deputy’s refusal to follow him into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Diri said he would not compel his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor made the statement during the weekly state executive council meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa, with his deputy present.
Governor Diri, who recently dumped the PDP for the APC, said politics should be driven by dialogue and mutual respect, not confrontation.
He explained that though being in separate parties creates challenges, he is confident their ongoing discussions will produce understanding.
Governor Diri revealed that Ewhrudjakpo has withdrawn the court case he filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop a planned impeachment, following their private talks.
Diri thanked Bayelsans for their support during his defection, describing the large turnout at the state sports complex as a show of unity.
He also appreciated the APC leadership, including President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, for welcoming him into the party.
His words: “I express gratitude to the people of our state for the successful and well-attended Thanksgiving Day service. The spirit of oneness and love is what we should continue to exhibit.”
He also dismissed recent rumours claiming that armed men had entered the state, describing them as false and misleading. The governor said security agencies had been alerted to ensure peace and safety across Bayelsa.
Diri assured residents that the state remains secure and urged them to go about their normal activities, advising against spreading unverified information on social media.
Recall that Governor Diri officially resigned from the PDP on October 15 before announcing his move to the All Progressive Congress.
