Seven prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their supporters from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
They were received by members of the
State Working Committee of the PDP, some political aides to Governor Douye Diri and other stalwarts of the party at its secretariat in Yenagoa on Thursday, September 23.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Diri, the Special Adviser on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia commended the defectors for taking the critical decision by returning to the PDP.
He said the PDP remains the party of choice in the state and with the current performance of the present administration, Bayelsans are happy and fulfilled.
“You have done the right thing for coming back to your party. A party that has been giving us all what we have in the state”, he said.
The State Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Gesiye Isowo, who stood in for the State Chairman, Hon. Solomon Agwana, said the entire State Working Committee is very glad to receive them.
He said: “It is a better decision taken to return to the party of your own. Your coming will add value to the party. I grant you every rights and privileges as bonafide members of PDP. Do not wait to be called in any PDP gathering across the state. Always avail yourselves for meetings and gatherings.
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He further urged them to join forces with other leaders in their various wards by talking to other members of the opposition to come back to the PDP.
On his part, the leader of the State House of Assembly representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 2, Rt. Hon Monday Obolo Bubou, assured the State Working Committee that the new defectors will be of great value to the party.
“I say this because I know their strength and their capacity. They are coming with full commitment to support the prosperity administration of our miracle governor.
Also speaking, the member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 1 in the State Assembly, Hon. Felix Bonny Ayah, congratulated the defectors, saying their coming is a clear indication that they mean well for the state and that of the prosperity government.
According to him, their exit was a big problem to the PDP in the LGA, adding that now that they are back Southern Ijaw will bring more votes in future elections.
While speaking on behalf of the decampees, Dr. Timipa Richard Ogoun, applauded Governor Diri and members of the State Working Committee and other PDP leaders in the LGA for the warm reception accorded them and also for accepting them back to the PDP.
He stated that Diri has done well since he came on board as governor, noting that his commitment to the welfare of workers in the state, particularly the prompt payment of salaries was part of what made them believe that it was time to return.
Ogoun, pledged their loyalty and commitment to work for the party and the prosperity administration to move Bayelsa State forward.
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