Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has stated that he will not force his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Diri formally joined the APC on November 3, after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15.

His deputy had earlier sought a court injunction to stop the state House of Assembly from impeaching him over his refusal to defect to the APC.

Speaking at the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, with Ewhrudjakpo in attendance, Diri said he prioritizes engagement over confrontation as a guiding principle.

He acknowledged that it is challenging for them to belong to different political parties but noted that ongoing discussions with his deputy were producing positive outcomes.

Diri revealed that the case filed by Ewhrudjakpo at the Federal High Court in Abuja to block a purported impeachment had been withdrawn following their talks.

He called on Bayelsa residents to embrace unity and view politics as a tool for development rather than division.

He said, “Let me address an issue that has been a subject of speculation in the media. I do not intend to force people to join the APC but rather to appeal to them to see reason with me. I might have the power today, but not tomorrow.

“It is actually difficult for the governor to be on one side and the deputy on another. But we will continue to talk, and we might end up at the same party tomorrow.

“We must not heat up the polity. We are done with violence in Bayelsa State. We are brothers and we are one. Politics should be for the development of the state and not to fight one another.”

Responding to reports of armed men allegedly entering the state, Diri dismissed the claims as fake news, while assuring that security agencies are on alert to handle any potential threats.

He reiterated that Bayelsa remains one of the most secure states in the country and urged citizens to report security concerns to the proper authorities instead of spreading false information on social media.

During the meeting, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, presented Diri with recognition of Bayelsa as the “Best State in Health Insurance Service Delivery” by the Nigeria Governors Forum.

The Commissioner for Sports, Dr Daniel Igali, also awarded him the “Distinguished Governor Award for Outstanding Support to SWAN and Contribution to Sports Development in Nigeria.”