Political Tensions in Bayelsa State
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, is facing the possibility of impeachment by the House of Assembly. This comes after Governor Douye Diri officially declared his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) today. The situation has created a significant rift within the state government, as Ewhrudjakpo’s refusal to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following Diri’s resignation from the party on October 15 has led to increased tensions.
The House of Assembly, which is reportedly under Diri’s influence, has initiated impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor. In response, Ewhrudjakpo sought legal intervention by approaching the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, hoping to halt the process.
During a thanksgiving service held on Sunday, ahead of his defection, Diri spoke about his decision to leave the PDP. He emphasized that his choice was made in the best interest of Bayelsa. “Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all,” he said.
Diri also highlighted the focus of his administration on completing inherited projects, initiating new ones, and maintaining peace and security. “Politics is for development, not to kill your brother,” he added, noting that the large turnout at the service was a sign of Bayelsa’s unity.
Reactions from Key Figures
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, described Diri’s defection as a strategic alignment with the centre. He cautioned politicians to consider the implications of disloyalty, which many see as a veiled reference to Ewhrudjakpo’s decision to remain in the PDP.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, urged Bayelsans to remain united. He stated that the state’s development depends on its cohesion and praised Bayelsa’s tradition of thanksgiving, calling it an attitude that attracts divine blessings.
Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), lauded Diri’s “visible developmental strides,” describing him as “a godsend to the state.”
Why Ewhrudjakpo Stayed in PDP
Ewhrudjakpo’s loyalty to former Governor Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, is believed to be behind his refusal to defect. Both men hail from Sagbama Local Government Area, and Dickson is regarded as a political mentor to both Diri and Ewhrudjakpo.
Dickson confirmed to reporters at the National Assembly that Diri had approached him several times to join the APC, but he declined. Observers believe Ewhrudjakpo’s allegiance to Dickson remains firm and may position him as a key PDP contender for the 2027 governorship election.
Changes in Yenagoa
Daily Trust observed that major streets in Yenagoa have been adorned with giant billboards welcoming Diri to the APC. The Government House roundabout now displays APC flags, while PDP flags previously mounted there have been removed.
The last time PDP insignia were taken down from the Creek Haven roundabout was in February 2019, ahead of the planned swearing-in of APC’s Chief David Lyon, whose election was annulled by the Supreme Court a day before the event.