Yenagoa—Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has received scores of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The defectors who are reportedly from constituencies one to four in Southern Ijaw local government area of the state were received in Government House, Yenagoa.
According to his chief press secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri appreciated the PDP leadership in Southern Ijaw, who he said has keyed into the ideals of his administration.
Diri opined that Bayelsa was created for it to be developed but pull- him-down syndrome crept in shortly after creation to defeat the ideals of the founding fathers of the state.
The Governor assured the defectors that the PDP was a truly democratic party where their views and rights would be respected.
He expressed optimism that the party will continue to be victorious in the state given its respect for laws and strong grassroots support, unlike the opposition party.
His words, “PDP is a party that respects people. It is where we can discuss and resolve any issue. Let me on behalf of the biggest party in Africa welcome all of you back to PDP.
“This is one of my happiest days and I believe the same goes for my deputy. Most of us might be at the top but you are truly the top at the grassroots level. We are nothing without you.
“It is time to think about who we are and whether we were like this. Didn’t our forefathers love themselves? What happened that we no longer work together?
“God did not give us a state to hate ourselves. Let us all be humble and allow humility to be our watchword.
“Let me appreciate the leadership of Southern Ijaw and the reconciliation committee for these efforts.”
Earlier, the PDP state chairman, Solomon Agwana, averred that God made no mistake in choosing leaders as exemplified by the leadership style of Governor Diri at this critical stage of the state’s development.
The party Chairman assured the returnees that all their rights and privileges will be accorded to them.
In his remark, the special adviser to the governor on political matters, Chief Collins Cocodia, stated that the defectors returned to the party due to the sterling performance of governor Diri, whom he said is changing the fortunes of the state.
Pastor Kime Oyinkuro, speaking on behalf of the defectors, thanked Diri for his large heart to receive them.
He assured that they were ready to work for the success of the party.
