Bayelsa PDP Intact, Declares Governor Diri

•Explains why party’s S’South congress was shifted, kinsmen apologise for Turnah’s action

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has allayed concerns of cracks in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, saying the party is together, firmly on the ground, and remains the only platform for aspiring politicians to actualise their dreams. Diri stated this, yesterday, during the PDP State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held at its secretariat in Yenagoa.

The governor said PDP had produced different political office holders from the state, including a former President of Nigeria, and it remained the party to beat in the state.

He enjoined members not to be distracted by rumours, but close ranks for the growth of the party. He said PDP was yet to conduct its South-south zonal congress.

Diri explained that zonal congresses were earlier scheduled for February 22 but the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party postponed that of the zone after its four governors in the South-south wrote to the national leadership to complain that the date was not convenient.

He said the report of the purported congress held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, was equally rejected by the national leadership, disclosing that a new date would be fixed for the zonal congress.

Diri stated, “Our party is kicking very well in Bayelsa State. We remain the party to beat. PDP has never been beaten in Bayelsa. So, all those haggling for 2027, if you want anything meaningful, you better come to PDP.

“PDP in Bayelsa is one and can never go down. This is the party that has produced a president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from our state, governors, senators and House of Representatives members. This party is complete at the state level and will remain so.

“Let us not listen to rumours. Some intend to divide us.

“To set the records straight, there was no zonal congress held in the South-south zone. At the appropriate time, the national leadership will decide the date in conjunction with the zonal leadership.”

Meanwhile, the people of Ogbia Local Government Area apologised to the governor and the party for the action of the suspended zonal legal adviser, George Turnah.

Speaking at the meeting, Chief Whip of the House of Assembly and member representing Ogbia Constituency 3, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, stated that the apology became necessary as it was not in the character of the Ogbia people to betray their benefactors.

Ogbara said Turnah’s action was regrettable and appealed for forgiveness. The state SEC also passed a vote of confidence on Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.