Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dismissed reports of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congress held in Calabar, stating that the national leadership rejected the event and would announce a new date for the zonal congress. The governor made this clarification during the PDP State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the party’s secretariat in Yenagoa on Monday.
PDP’s Dominance in Bayelsa
Governor Diri emphasized the PDP’s stronghold in Bayelsa, describing it as the party to beat in the state. “Our party is thriving in Bayelsa State. We remain the party to beat. The PDP has never lost here. If you seek relevance, you should join the PDP,” he said.
He highlighted the party’s legacy, noting that it had produced a Nigerian president, governors, and federal legislators from Bayelsa. “This party is strong at the state level and will remain so. Let us ignore rumours. Some aim to divide us, but they will not succeed,” Diri added.
Postponement of South-South Zonal Congress
The governor clarified that no zonal congress took place in the South-South region. He revealed that the National Working Committee (NWC) postponed the initially scheduled congress on February 22, following a request from the four South-South governors, who deemed the date unsuitable.
“The national leadership, in consultation with zonal leaders, will determine a new date at the appropriate time,” Diri assured.
Apology from Ogbia Local Government
During the meeting, the people of Ogbia Local Government apologized to the governor and the party for the actions of the suspended Zonal Legal Adviser, George Turnah. Gabriel Ogbara, representing Ogbia Constituency 3, described Turnah’s actions as regrettable and reaffirmed Ogbia’s loyalty to the PDP.
“Betrayal is not in the character of the Ogbia people. We plead for forgiveness and remain committed to the party and its leadership,” Ogbara said.
Vote of Confidence in Diri’s Leadership
The State Executive Council passed a vote of confidence in Governor Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commending their leadership and developmental strides. The motion was moved by Oforji Oboku, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, and seconded by the State Assembly Leader, Monday Obolo.
Praise for Diri’s Administration
State PDP Chairman, Solomon Agwana, praised Diri’s administration for its numerous development projects across Bayelsa, citing them as evidence of good governance. He urged continued support for the administration to ensure further progress in the state.
State PDP Secretary, Gesiye Isowo, also lauded Diri’s achievements, stating that his performance had made future election campaigns easier, given the many completed projects.
Key Attendees
The meeting was attended by the deputy governor, Ogbia Federal Constituency representative Rep. Mitema Obordor, former deputy governors Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd) and Werinipre Seibarugu, PDP South-South Zonal Secretary Prof. Felix Omemu, local government chairmen, and other key party stakeholders.