Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has called for peace, unity, and political tolerance among the people of the state, stressing that politics should be used as a tool for development and not division. The governor, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the appeal while addressing political stakeholders and supporters during a state meeting in Yenagoa.
Diri, who acknowledged the challenges of being in a different political party from his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, expressed optimism that ongoing discussions between them would lead to a mutual understanding. The governor revealed that a court case earlier filed by his deputy at a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop a purported impeachment move had been withdrawn following private engagements between both leaders.
According to Diri, political competition should not destroy the bond of brotherhood that unites the people of Bayelsa. He emphasized that his decision to join the APC was based on conviction and the need to align the state with the federal government for more development opportunities.
“I know it is difficult for a governor and his deputy to belong to different political parties, but I am optimistic that our continuous discussions will yield positive results,” he said. “Politics should not be a weapon of destruction or hatred. We must use it to build and uplift our state.”
The governor thanked Bayelsans for their overwhelming turnout during the APC rally and the thanksgiving service that marked his defection, describing the events as evidence of the people’s readiness to embrace unity and progress.
“I sincerely appreciate the people of Bayelsa for the massive crowd that attended the thanksgiving and our defection event,” he said. “The spirit of love and togetherness that we witnessed is what we should continue to demonstrate in all we do.”
Diri also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, whom he described as the leaders of the ruling APC. He assured them of his full commitment to supporting national development efforts and improving the living standards of Bayelsa citizens.
“I thank President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their leadership and the opportunity to work for a better Nigeria. We pledge our loyalty to the vision of building a stronger, more united nation,” Diri stated.
Urges Calm, Dismisses Rumours of Insecurity
The governor also reacted to recent rumours circulating on social media about the alleged influx of armed men into the state. He dismissed the reports as false and designed to create fear among the people.
He, however, disclosed that security agencies had been alerted to monitor and address any genuine threat to peace in any part of the state.
“I have heard about reports claiming that some armed groups have entered Bayelsa. This is completely untrue,” Diri clarified. “We remain one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria. I have instructed all security agencies to remain vigilant, but our people should go about their daily activities without fear.”
Diri urged residents to report any suspicious movements or incidents to security authorities instead of rushing to post unverified information online, warning that false news could cause unnecessary panic.
“Please do not allow social media rumours to destabilize our state. Report genuine concerns to the appropriate authorities. Let’s work together to preserve the peace and stability we have enjoyed,” he appealed.
Calls for Politics Without Bitterness
Governor Diri reiterated that his decision to defect to the APC was not intended to coerce anyone into joining him but to promote understanding and development. He urged political actors in the state to put the people’s welfare above partisan interests.
“I will not force anyone to join the APC,” Diri said. “Politics is about persuasion, not compulsion. I may have power today but not tomorrow, so we must act with humility and respect for one another.”
He added that Bayelsa had moved past the era of political violence, urging all parties to embrace dialogue and reconciliation.
“We are done with violence in Bayelsa. We are one people. Let us use politics to attract projects, create jobs, and improve our lives. Fighting each other will only set us back,” the governor emphasized.
Bayelsa Receives National Recognition
During the meeting, Bayelsa received two national awards for excellence in public service. The Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, presented the governor with an award naming Bayelsa as the “Best State in Health Insurance Service Delivery” by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
According to Brisibe, the award recognized the state’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare through the Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme, which has provided coverage for thousands of residents, especially rural dwellers and low-income earners.
“This recognition is a result of the governor’s consistent support for the health sector,” the commissioner said. “Bayelsa has made impressive progress in ensuring that our people have affordable access to healthcare.”
Similarly, the Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, presented another award to Diri — the “Distinguished Governor Award for Outstanding Support to Sports Development in Nigeria.” The honour was bestowed by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in recognition of the governor’s role in promoting sports infrastructure and youth development in the state.
Igali noted that under Diri’s administration, Bayelsa had recorded significant success in sports, including top performances in national competitions and increased investment in athletes’ welfare.
“This award is a testimony to your dedication to using sports as a tool for unity, empowerment, and the projection of Bayelsa’s image,” Igali told the governor.
Political Context and Outlook
Governor Diri’s defection to the APC marks one of the most notable political shifts in Bayelsa’s recent history. The state, traditionally a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has witnessed growing alignment with the ruling party at the centre.
Analysts believe that Diri’s move is partly aimed at strengthening federal-state collaboration and securing more developmental projects for Bayelsa, especially in infrastructure, education, and security.
However, his defection has created a political dilemma, as his deputy, Ewhrudjakpo, remains a PDP member. Political observers are closely watching how the two leaders will navigate their new reality, especially as preparations for future elections intensify.
Despite the tension, Diri’s conciliatory tone has been widely welcomed as a step toward reducing political bitterness in the state. His appeal for peace and unity has also resonated with many Bayelsans who desire stability and progress over partisan conflict.
In the coming months, attention will focus on how effectively the governor can manage the delicate balance of power within his administration and maintain cohesion among supporters across party lines.
For now, Governor Diri appears determined to consolidate his new political base while keeping the doors of dialogue open — not just with his deputy, but with all stakeholders committed to Bayelsa’s peace and development.
