PDP Unity in Bayelsa
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dismissed reports of a South-South zonal congress held in Calabar, stating that the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejected the event and will announce a new date. Speaking at the PDP State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Yenagoa on Monday, Diri reaffirmed the party’s dominance in Bayelsa and urged members to remain united and focused on strengthening the party.
Diri’s Assurance: PDP Remains Strong
Governor Diri emphasized that the PDP in Bayelsa is thriving and remains the party to beat. “Our party is thriving in Bayelsa State. We remain the party to beat. The PDP has never lost here. If you seek relevance, you should join the PDP,” he declared.
He highlighted the party’s historical significance, noting that it produced a Nigerian president, governors, and federal legislators from the state. “This party is strong at the state level and will remain so. Let us ignore rumours. Some aim to divide us, but they will not succeed,” Diri added.
Clarification on Zonal Congress
Diri clarified that no zonal congress took place in the South-South region. He explained that the national leadership, in consultation with zonal leaders, would determine a new date for the congress. The governor revealed that the initial date of February 22 was postponed following a request from the four South-South governors, who deemed it unsuitable.
Ogbia Local Government Apologizes
During the meeting, representatives from Ogbia Local Government apologized for the actions of the suspended Zonal Legal Adviser, George Turnah. Gabriel Ogbara, representing Ogbia Constituency 3, described Turnah’s actions as regrettable and reaffirmed Ogbia’s loyalty to the PDP. “Betrayal is not in the character of the Ogbia people. We plead for forgiveness and reaffirm our commitment to the party,” Ogbara stated.
Vote of Confidence in Diri’s Leadership
The State Executive Council passed a vote of confidence in Governor Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commending their leadership and developmental achievements. The motion was moved by Oforji Oboku, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, and seconded by the State Assembly Leader, Monday Obolo.
Praise for Diri’s Administration
State PDP Chairman, Solomon Agwana, praised Diri’s administration for its numerous development projects across Bayelsa, citing them as evidence of good governance. Agwana also commended the governor for fostering unity within the party.
State PDP Secretary, Gesiye Isowo, echoed these sentiments, stating that Diri’s performance had made future election campaigns easier due to the many completed projects.
Key Attendees
The meeting was attended by prominent party members, including Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Ogbia Federal Constituency representative Rep. Mitema Obordor, former deputy governors Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd) and Werinipre Seibarugu, and PDP South-South Zonal Secretary, Prof. Felix Omemu. Local government chairmen and other key stakeholders also participated.
Conclusion: A Unified PDP
Governor Diri’s address and the subsequent discussions at the SEC meeting underscored the PDP’s unity and strength in Bayelsa. With a focus on development and collective efforts, the party aims to maintain its dominance in the state’s political landscape.