Gov Diri Distances Self from Pressure to Make Deputy Join APC

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has stated that he will not compel his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Diri reportedly resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15 and formally joined the APC on November 3.

Remember that in order to stop the state House of Assembly from impeaching him for refusing to join the APC, his deputy had already requested a court injunction.

Speaking at the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday at Government House in Yenagoa, where Ewhrudjakpo was present, Diri stated that, as a matter of principle, he prefers discussion over confrontation.

He claims that although it is difficult for them to be members of opposing political parties, continued talks with his deputy are producing fruitful outcomes.

Following their conversations, the governor disclosed that Ewhrudjakpo’s case in the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop a supposed impeachment plan had been dropped.

He urged the state’s citizens to embrace unity and view politics as a tool for advancing progress rather than sowing discord.

“Let me discuss a topic that has been the focus of media conjecture. I want to persuade individuals to see my point of view rather than coerce them into joining the APC. I may be in charge today, but not tomorrow.

In reality, it is challenging for the governor to support one side while the deputy supports another. But we’ll keep talking, and tomorrow we might wind up at the same party.

“The politics must not be heated. In Bayelsa State, we have had enough of bloodshed. We are one and we are brothers. He stated that politics should be used to advance the state rather than to incite conflict.