Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Monday led a high-powered delegation of the All Progressives Congress to officially welcome Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State into the ruling party.
Shettima departed Abuja in the company of several APC governors and party leaders to formally receive Governor Diri, who recently announced his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.
It would be recalled that Governor Diri had confirmed his defection from the PDP during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day held on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa.
The governor explained that his move to the APC was a difficult but necessary decision taken in the best interest of the people of Bayelsa State.
Diri, who resigned from the PDP on October 15, had reportedly been in weeks of discreet discussions with top APC figures to finalise his defection plans.
Speaking publicly about the move for the first time, the governor said, “Some persons might not understand why I am joining the APC, but with time, my reasons would become clearer.”
He added that politics is ultimately about service and development, stressing that his administration remains committed to ensuring that the people of Bayelsa continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Governor Diri further noted that the prevailing peace and security in the state were reasons for Bayelsans to remain thankful to God.
