Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has announced his decision to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, November 3, stating that his move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was made in the best interest of the state. Governor Diri, who had resigned from the PDP on October 15, publicly addressed the issue for the first time during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day held at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa. He expressed that while some may not immediately grasp his reasons for aligning with the ruling party, time would reveal the altruistic nature of his decision, which he took on behalf of all Bayelsans.

During the thanksgiving service, Governor Diri underscored the critical importance of unity for Bayelsa's development, noting his delight at the diverse political leaders present. He articulated his belief that politics should be a vehicle for progress rather than division, and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to fostering unity and development within the state. The governor also highlighted the prevailing peace and security, along with ongoing developmental projects—including the completion of uncompleted projects and the introduction of new ones—as profound reasons for gratitude, urging the populace to embrace a culture of thanksgiving.

Various dignitaries echoed sentiments of unity and support for Governor Diri's political shift. The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, emphasized that Bayelsa’s progress hinges on the unity of its people and urged continued support for the Diri administration. Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), praised Diri as a unifier and deemed his recent political alignment timely, stressing that the state could no longer afford to remain in opposition while crucial developmental decisions were being made at the federal level. Lokpobiri also subtly cautioned against disloyalty to the governor, in what appeared to be a veiled reference to the Deputy Governor, who has chosen to remain with the PDP.

Further endorsements came from Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who lauded Governor Diri as a 'godsend' due to his visible developmental strides. Dame Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of Service of the Federation, affirmed that Bayelsa had ample reason to give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon the state. Bishop Mike Okonkwo, General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), delivered a sermon titled “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” quoting from Psalm 100, verses 1 to 5, and emphasized the profound importance of thanksgiving, reassuring the people that victory and blessings are guaranteed as long as God remains their ultimate focus.

Goodwill messages from other prominent figures, including Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), and President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, uniformly commended the governor’s development initiatives and reinforced the call for state unity. The well-attended event saw a host of esteemed guests, including Governor Diri’s wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri; the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Senators Benson Agadaga and Sunday Katung; the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; Chief Judge Justice Matilda Ayemieye; King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon Brass; Mrs. Margaret Alamieseigha, wife of the first civilian governor; former deputy governor Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi; and Chief David Lyon, the 2019 Bayelsa APC governorship candidate. Other notable attendees included Chief Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; various ministers of God; captains of industry; traditional rulers; and top government officials.

In preparation for this significant political transition, arrangements have been meticulously finalized for Governor Douye Diri's formal reception into the All Progressives Congress. This grand event is scheduled to take place at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, the state capital, on the aforementioned Monday.