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Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has stated that he will not compel his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to DAILY POST, Diri officially joined the APC on November 3, after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15.
It is noteworthy that his deputy had previously sought a court injunction to prevent the state House of Assembly from impeaching him due to his refusal to join the APC.
While addressing the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa on Wednesday, with Ewhrudjakpo in attendance, Diri expressed his belief in engagement over confrontation as a guiding principle.
He acknowledged that although it is challenging for them to belong to different political parties, their ongoing discussions with his deputy have been productive.
The governor disclosed that the case filed by Ewhrudjakpo at the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop a supposed impeachment plan had been withdrawn following their discussions.
He urged the citizens of the state to foster unity and view politics as a vehicle for development rather than a source of division.
“I want to clarify an issue that has been widely speculated in the media. I do not plan to coerce anyone into joining the APC but rather to persuade them to understand my perspective. I may hold power today, but that may not be the case tomorrow.
“It is indeed challenging for the governor to be on one side while the deputy is on another. However, we will continue our dialogue, and we may find ourselves in the same party in the future.
“We must avoid escalating tensions. We have moved past violence in Bayelsa State. We are brothers, and we are united. Politics should serve to advance the state, not to create conflict among us,” he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Governor Diri force his deputy to join the APC?
No, Governor Diri has stated that he will not compel his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join the APC.
What political party did Governor Diri resign from before joining APC?
Governor Diri resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
What is the status of the court case filed by Ewhrudjakpo?
The case filed by Ewhrudjakpo at the Federal High Court to halt a potential impeachment has been discontinued after discussions with Governor Diri.
What message did Governor Diri convey regarding politics in Bayelsa State?
Governor Diri emphasized the importance of unity and stated that politics should promote development rather than conflict.
