GOVERNOR DIR SAYS PDP INTACT IN BAYELSA, EXPLAINS WHY PARTY’S SOUTH-SOUTH CONGRESS WAS SHIFTED ASKINSMEN APOLOGISE FOR BARRISTER TURNAH’S ACTION

Governor Douye Diri, has allayed concerns of any cracks in the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the state, saying the party was intact, firmly on ground and remained the only platform for aspiring politicians to actualize their dreams.

Governor Diri stated this on Monday during the PDP State Executive Council, SEC meeting held at its secretariat in Yenagoa.

Governor Diri noted that PDP had produced different political office holders from the state, including a former President of Nigeria and that it remained the party to beat in the state.

The Bayelsa helmsman enjoined members not to be distracted by rumours but rather close ranks for the growth of the party.

The governor also stated that the PDP was yet to conduct its South-South zonal congress.

He explained that zonal congresses were earlier scheduled for February 22 but that the National Working Committee of the party postponed that of the zone after its four South-South governors wrote to the national leadership that the date was not convenient.

He said the report of the purported congress held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, was equally rejected by the national leadership and that a new date would be fixed for the zonal congress.

Meanwhile, the people of Ogbia Local Government Area have apologised to the governor and the party for the action of the suspended zonal legal adviser, Barr. George Turnah.

Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, Chief Whip of the House of Assembly and member representing Ogbia Constituency 3, stated that the apology became necessary as it was not in the character of the Ogbia people to betray their benefactors.

Hon. Ogbara said Barrister Turnah’s action was regrettable and appealed for forgiveness.

The state SEC also passed a vote of confidence on Governor Diri and Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor.

The motion was moved by Hn. Oforji Oboku, the member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of Reps, and seconded by Ho. Monday Obolo, the leader of the State Assembly.

Earlier, Hon. Solomon Agwana, the state PDP chairman, said Bayelsa was feeling the positive impact of the Governor Diri administration with projects in different parts of the state.

Hon. Agwana, who appreciated the governor for unifying members, called for continuous support

for the party and the administration for the development of the state.

In his remarks, Hon. Gesiye Isowo, the state secretary, applauded the governor, adding that his performance had made their work easier in future campaigns as there were many projects to campaign with.

Present at the meeting were Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor, Chief Benson Agadaga, the Senator representing Bayelsa East, and Chief Mitema Obordor, the member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency.

Also in attendance were two former deputy governors, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah and Rt. Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu, Prof. Felix Omemu, the PDP South-South zonal secretary, and local government chairmen among other party stakeholders.