The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has explained that his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was motivated by what he believed was best for the state.
Diri, who spoke on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, said someone had to take the decision and that he took it on behalf of Bayelsans.
It was the first time he spoke publicly on the issue after he resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025.
Gov. Diri explained that some persons might not understand his decision for joining the ruling party, but that with passage of time, it would become clear that his reasons were altruistic.
He expressed delight over the gathering of different political leaders at the thanksgiving service, stressing that the unity of Bayelsa was crucial for its development.
He stated that “politics should be for development and not to bring people down”, and that his administration will continue to unite and develop the state.
The Bayelsa helmsman also said that the current peace and security in the state and its on-going development, were the reasons to be grateful to God and urged the people to imbibe the culture of thanksgiving.
“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.”
Also, the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Funkekeme Solomon, said the strength of Bayelsa’s progress and development was in the unity of the people, and urged the state to remain united and supportive of the Diri administration.
Oborevwori lauded the state for sustaining the culture of thanksgiving, saying it is an attitude that attracts God’s blessings.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, who said he was excited to be attending the annual thanksgiving for the first time, described Diri as a unifier.
Lokpobiri said the Governor’s recent political move was timely as the state cannot no longer afford to be in opposition when key developmental decisions were being made at the centre.
The Managing-Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described Diri as a “godsend to the state, owing to his visible developmental strides”.
Ogbuku prayed for God’s wisdom to guide him to continue doing his best for the state.
Delivering a sermon titled: “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” the General-Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, said thanksgiving was important as God was always present at the time of need and does not forsake His children.
The renowned cleric assured the people of the state that as long as they made God their Alpha and Omega, victory and blessings were guaranteed.
In their goodwill messages, Sen. Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central); the Head of Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack; Chairman, Bayelsa Elders Council and former Deputy Governor of the State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), and President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, all extolled the Governor’s development strides, and stressed the need for the state to remain united.
Dignitaries at the event included wives of the Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri; the Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; wife of Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas, as well as Sens. Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa-East), and Sunday Katung (Kaduna-South).
Others were House of Reps members from the state, Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency); Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern-Ijaw Federal Constituency); Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency); Mitema Obordor (Ogbia Federal Constituency); the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Matilda Ayemieye.
Also present were the former Governor of old Rivers State and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; wife of the first civilian governor of the state, Mrs. Margaret Alamieseigha, as well as a former Deputy Governor of the state, Hon Peremobowei Ebebi, and the 2019 Bayelsa APC Governorship Candidate, Chief David Lyon.
In attendance was the Managing-Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare; renowned cleric, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, and several ministers of God, captains of industry, traditional rulers and top government officials.
