By Julius Agadaga/ Yenagoa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for his bold move to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the decision as the right step.
Tinubu who spoke during the formal defection and reception of Governor Douye Diri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the occasion as a “reinventing moment” in Nigeria’s political history.
Represented by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Tinubu hailed Governor Diri’s decision, stating that it reflects his commitment to national integration and development and highlighted the importance of leaders putting the nation’s interests above partisan affiliations.
President Tinubu welcomed Governor Diri into the APC, describing it as a homecoming for the governor and the people of Bayelsa State,
He noted that the governor’s decision demonstrates his conviction and commitment to progress.
The President commended Governor Diri’s leadership, citing his efforts to develop Bayelsa State and promote unity.
He highlighted the governor’s projects, including road construction and bridge building, as examples of his commitment to improving the lives of his people.
President Tinubu assured Governor Diri of his support and welcomed him into the progressive family, urging the governor to continue his good work and to champion the cause of progress and development in Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri said he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress APC), because efforts to save the PDP fail.
Senator Diri further said the PDP had been hijacked by undertakers who doesn’t wish the party well, saying that he had to join the ruling party for the overriding interest of Ijaw nation.
He lauded President Bola Tinubu for the love towards the development of the state and the Ijaw nation through developmental initiatives.
He highlighted the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the second phase of the Nembe-Brass road and also a N4bn tax waiver granted the state when he procured the 60megawatt gas turbine influenced his decision.
The National Chairman of APC, Prof. Nentewa Yilwatda officially welcomed Diri to the party and presented the flag and its symbol (broom) to him.
He thanked Governor Diri for taking the right decision, stressing that the Ijaw nation has spoken with one voice.
