Yenagoa—Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state has averred that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains the party to beat in any election in the state.
The governor spoke in Sagbama on Saturday, during a grand reception in honour of federal lawmakers from Bayelsa West Senatorial District by the state chapter of the PDP.
Diri’s chief press secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying the party is well-loved by the people of the state and had embarked on projects that have endeared it to the Bayelsans over the years.
The governor urged the people of Bayelsa West to be faithful to the PDP to consolidate the party’s achievements.
He also thanked them for the honour accorded him and other leaders of the district, while soliciting for their continuous support.
Diri said that, “I join all of our leaders and in particular our leader, Senator Seriake Dickson and all of us in Bayelsa West that you thought it wise to honour to thank you.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart. What you have done is an honour and honour would also find you.
“There is nothing we can do to pay you back. Only God can repay you.
“By God’s grace, PDP is still the party to beat in Bayelsa State. Today is not for campaign but it is a day for unity. ”
In his remark, the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Seriake Dickson, rubbished rumours of enmity with Diri which has been making the rounds.
He stated that his aloofness from the incumbent administration was on purpose to give his successor the free hand to steer the state to greater heights.
However, the former governor added that he was constantly in touch with the governor privately to converse on issues concerning the development of the state.
While recalling how the PDP emerged victorious in the last governorship election, Dickson expressed optimism that the party would continue to win future elections in the state.
The senator urged party members to be united and support the current administration and stressed that the PDP can only be strong when it is not divided.
Dickson equally lauded Diri for his developmental strides, saying he was proud of his successor.
He thanked the people of the senatorial district for the trust and mandate given to him.
He stressed that he would continue to put their interest first before anything else.
Also speaking at the event, the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, expressed gratitude to the people of the district for the honour accorded him and other leaders.
In their separate remarks, the state PDP chairman, Solomon Agwana, the Bayelsa West caucus leader, Chief T.K.O Okorotie, Chief Fyneman Wilson and Michael Magbisa commended Diri and leaders of the district for their selfless service to people of the senatorial district.
