I won’t force my deputy to join APC — Diri

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Nov 12, 2025 - 17:00
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UNILAG to honour Gov Diri with Professorial Chair, book launch for exemplary leadership By Prisca Sam-Duru In a major announcement recognizing outstanding public service, the University of Lagos Consultancy Services (UNILAG Consult) has revealed plans to honour Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri. The honour is in recognition of his transparent, inclusive, and visionary leadership style. The triple-event tribute is slated for November 5, 2025, at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium. The ceremony will feature the public presentation of a new book titled: “Leadership Chronicles of Governor Douye Diri,” an International Public Lecture, and the formal launch of a Professorial Chair on Good Governance. The Managing Director and CEO of UNILAG Consult Limited, Professor John Oyefara, who confirmed the initiative on Wednesday during a press briefing, emphasized Governor Diri’s commitment to inclusive governance and the strategic use of technology to advance the health and education sectors. According to Prof Oyefara, the Professorial Chair is designed as an enduring academic legacy dedicated to research, teaching, and policy dialogue that champions the principles of good governance and leadership excellence across Nigeria and Africa. The initiative, he stated further, aims to document and preserve the crucial lessons of transformational leadership for future generations, stressing that integrity, inclusiveness, and accountability form the bedrock of national progress. The forthcoming book he said, will delve into the governor’s political journey, philosophy, and societal impact stressing that, “This Chair will serve as a living academic legacy, dedicated to promoting research, teaching, and policy dialogue on ethics in leadership, transparency, innovation, and people-centred governance.” He added, “The triple event is designed to celebrate and institutionalise the leadership ethos and accomplishments of governor Diri, a man whose governance style exemplifies vision, inclusiveness, and integrity. His commitment to technology-driven governance, democratic values, and national unity stands as a model for both current and aspiring leaders.” Distinguished Professor of English at UNILAG and the book’s General Editor, Professor Hope Eghagha, also highlighted that the event speaks eloquently of the University’s mission to bridge the gap between academia, policy, and practical leadership so as to strengthen democratic governance in the continent. Prof Eghagha commended governor Diri’s focus on driving quality healthcare in the state with technology, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and education, which he maintained has positioned Bayelsa State as a model of inclusive governance in the Niger Delta. Project consultant Sola Ojewusi further highlighted the Governor’s significant achievements, particularly in healthcare. Ojewusi cited the innovative use of drones for drug delivery to remote parts of Bayelsa, a strategy that has reportedly saved lives and ensured rapid medical access for the citizenry in critical situations. The event is set to host several national and international dignitaries, members of the academia, policymakers, and the diplomatic community to discuss the future landscape of governance in Africa.

…Dispels Security Threat in Bayelsa

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has said he will not compel his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he formally joined on November 3.

Diri, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15 citing personal reasons, stated this during the weekly State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, with Ewhrudjakpo in attendance.

The governor explained that as a matter of principle, he prefers dialogue to confrontation and will continue to engage his deputy in discussions.

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

He revealed that the case filed by Ewhrudjakpo at a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop a purported impeachment process had been discontinued following their discussions.

Diri thanked Bayelsans for their support, especially during the state’s thanksgiving service and his official defection to the APC, noting that the massive turnout reflected unity and goodwill.

“I appreciate the leader of our party, President Bola Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima,” he said. “I pledge our loyalty to work for a better Nigeria and the upliftment of our people’s living standards.

“I do not intend to force anyone to join the APC but to appeal to them to see reason with me. I might have the power today but not tomorrow. We must not heat up the polity. We are brothers and one people. Politics should be about development, not division.”

On reports alleging the arrival of armed men in the state, Diri dismissed them as fake news but assured that security agencies were on alert to address any potential threats.

He reaffirmed that Bayelsa remains one of the most secure states in the country and urged residents to go about their daily activities peacefully while reporting any security concerns to the appropriate authorities instead of spreading false information on social media.

During the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, presented Bayelsa’s award as the “Best State in Health Insurance Service Delivery” by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, while the Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, also presented a “Distinguished Governor Award for Outstanding Support to SWAN and Contribution to Sports Development in Nigeria” from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

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