From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
A group of stakeholders from various political parties, non-partisan Bayelsans, and non-indigenes, as well as different religious groups, have urged Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a world press conference held in Yenagoa, the convener of the Concerned Bayelsa Stakeholders Forum (CBSF),Mr. Wisdom Ikuli passed a vote of confidence on Governor Diri, commending his selfless service to the state and the Ijaw Nation.
He emphasized the need for Bayelsa State to align with the federal government, citing the benefits of having a government at the centre that can attract development to the state.
He noted that PDP at the national level is enmeshed in crisis and the current PDP leadership has been hijacked by few individuals, posing a threat to Bayelsa State’s interests.
He added: “Presently, Bayelsa State is standing alone as the only PDP state in the whole of South South. The above may not be too much issue. The greatest challenge here is the hijack of the PDP by few individuals and the very dangerous traps that they have set for Bayelsans in 2027 particularly those that intend to fly the flag of PDP.
” There are concluded arrangements to hide under the excuse of crisis and countless court cases in PDP at different levels to work to nullify the Nomination of all Candidates that will emerge under the party platform. So, we can imagine the pains, agony and disarray that the state shall experience if the state remains in PDP.
“:The ongoing Coalition is also an embodiment of people who conspired to deny Bayelsa State and indeed the entire Ijaw Nation, a second term at the Presidency in 2015. Thus, the coalition can never be an option.
” It is based on the above that we unanimously appeal to the Governor to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to show Southern Solidarity with other Southern Governors who are with Mr. President.
” But as we move forward, one of the greatest priorities in the alliance with the centre should be the actualization of the Agge Seaport that will help to boost the state economy and also bring about unimaginable transformation and prosperity.
” In the next few days we shall begin a daily Rally on the streets of Yenagoa to prevail on His Excellency to do the needful.
” Finally, His Excellency should ignore all opposing voices against his defection. We say this because they are all fighting to protect their individual political interest without prioritizing that of the state and the entire Ijaw Nation.
” We wish to reassure His Excellency that vast majority of Bayelsans are with him and together, we shall move forward.”
The convener appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointments of Ijaw sons and daughters into key positions, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as MD of NDDC.
Ikuli urged Governor Diri to prioritize the actualization of the Agge Seaport project, which would boost the state’s economy and bring about transformation and prosperity.
The group announced plans to stage daily rallies in Yenagoa to prevail on Governor Diri to defect to APC.
