Bayelsa State’s Governor Douye Diri has rubbished a congress of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, held in Calabar, Cross River State, by loyalists and associates of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor Donald Duke.
Donald Duke is a former Governor of Cross River State, which hosted the controversial congress.
Speaking on Monday at the PDP State Executive Council, SEC meeting at the party’s secretariat in Yenagoa, the state capital, Diri said the national leadership rejected the congress and would set a new date.
He stated: “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.
“The PDP in Bayelsa is united and cannot be weakened. This party produced a Nigerian president from our state. It has also produced governors and federal legislators.
“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.”
According to him, as no zonal congress took place in the South-South, the national leadership, in consultation with zonal leaders, would determine a new date at the appropriate time.
Diri reiterated that PDP had produced key office holders, including a former Nigerian President, and remained dominant in Bayelsa politics.
Diri further explained that the South-South zonal congress, initially scheduled for 22nd February, had been later postponed by the National Working Committee because four South-South governors informed the party’s leadership that the date was unsuitable.
The State Executive Council passed a vote of confidence in Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, affirming their leadership.
The motion was moved by Oforji Oboku, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, and seconded by the State Assembly Leader, Monday Obolo.
Earlier, State PDP Chairman, Solomon Agwana, praised Diri’s administration, citing its numerous development projects across Bayelsa as evidence of good governance.
Agwana commended the Governor for fostering unity within the party and urged continued support for the administration to ensure further development in the state.
Also present were former deputy governors Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd) and Werinipre Seibarugu, alongside PDP South-South Zonal Secretary, Prof. Felix Omemu.
DAILY POST
