They are no longer here; the fringes they supposedly ‘captured’ before the 2019 gubernatorial elections have regained their freedom, sufficiently realigned and now happily re-admitted into the only firmly rooted political party in the State, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Yes, they came prepared and well mobilised from Abuja for a ‘take-over’ mission in 2019 but a divine supreme ‘altar call’ dismissed their machinations and changed their plots. The rest is now history.

Only a few months into the administration of the incumbent Governor, Senator Douye Diri, a new order is established in the political space. Absolutely, there is no longer any political tension, as many in the opposition have gladly joined the only party rooted in Bayelsa State, the PDP.

The political desk of the Governor headed by the hard-working Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Collins Cocodia, ably supported by the party leadership under Chief Solomon Agwuana, State PDP Chairman, have achieved a great deal to woo many in the opposition to the rejuvenated PDP.

PDP gains of this defection were of course largely due to the great disposition of the governor, who preaches peace, love, reconciliation and unity across the communities always.

Someone asked recently, what is keeping this governor going? The response was quick to the effect that he is a God-fearing, open-hearted team player. He is also a listening leader and a man with great urbane disposition.

Again, he has endeared himself to the people of Bayelsa State for running a government of impact.

Since he came into office on February 14, 2020 as governor, there have been loads of achievements from road projects, to education sector, health and agriculture.

The stability in the State Civil Service is unparalleled. It is joy overloads to the pensioners who regularly receive their monthly pay while the government of “Prosperity” is steadily clearing over ten years outstanding of gratuities and death benefits every month.

Indeed, the peaceful and simple lifestyle of the governor is rubbing off on his administration.

Little wonder, a lot of members of the APC and PDP who defected to the opposition parties before 2019 elections have since returned to support the purposeful leadership of Senator Douye Diri, a man of honour.

The broom party is already in a state of decrepitude with the exit of the few good men who in fact were full of regrets for their very brief stay.

Notwithstanding, the handful of Bayelsans who have remained in the APC, particularly their leaders, Diri, has found a way to work with everyone in the interest of the state. The Governor repeatedly said: “We are first Bayelsans. We are one people with common destiny. Do not allow politics to divide us to the detriment of the development of our dear State. If you are in Abuja with the APC-led Federal Government, bring those developmental projects home for our people. Bayelsa State is our collective project.”

Bayelsans truly know that all those in the APC in the State joined the party for political relevance and convenience. They joined APC not because they believed in the ideals and principles of the party. From the leadership of the party to the last member, their political journey is deeply rooted in the PDP.

From Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area to Nembe, and to Ogboinbiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, the only political party the people have known since the return to democratic rule in 1999 in Bayelsa State remains the PDP.

Great to cheer of the good news that has since enveloped the political space as many of those who joined the APC have retraced their steps and returned to their original home. After all, home they say is home and it is always sweet to return home. More so, the home is now habitable, and comfortable and welcoming than the sojourn in a 'wilderness of wonderland.’

Indeed, the governor is happy with the returnees so far and he has continued to welcome them in droves. A number of the leaders who should 'weigh' some influence in the APC have come to identify with the developmental strides of the prosperity government. Governor Diri’s peaceful and respectful nature is the magnet that did the miracle. They have all therefore all returned to PDP to contribute their quota to the journey towards building a new Bayelsa.

Just in one day, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Venezuela and one-time Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Senator Felix Oboro, led 26 high powered members of the crumbling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State to join the PDP.

Those on that list were former House of Representatives members, Bolous Sylva Indiamaowei, Mike Epengule and Graham Ipigansi. Others who returned to the PDP are former Special Adviser on Security, Chief Richard Kpodoh, Prince Bodi Arerebo, former Commissioner for Capital City Development, Mr. Zuwa Konugah and leader of Young Democratic Party (YDP) in the State, Mr. Elvis Donkemezuo.

Also, returning to the fold were Chief Imomo Leigha, Capt. Solomon Anthony (rtd), Dr. A. C. Baralatei, Paris Digifa, Charity Raphael, Ebinepre Nelson and Tebepah Nelson.

Others are Commandant of the National Defence College, Abuja, Rear Admiral Thomas Lokoson (rtd.), former Niger Delta freedom fighter, Paul Eris popularly known as General Ogunboss, former Water Resources Commissioner under the Sylva’s administration, Chief K. D Francis, Hon. Bright Agagaowei, Dr. Temple Iluma, Hon. Target, Isaiah Segibo and Barr. Emma Ikpaikpai.

Others are Chief Abednego Don Evarada, Barr. Ernest Omiloli, Engr. Michael Ogiasa, Macaulay Jokori, Comrade A. Edoni and Chief Amakiri Godfrey Otiti.

And only very recently, Hon. Torpedo Amananagha, led others including Mr. Temple Dickson Newman, General Darikoro Alfred, Mie-ebi Ekimizitei, Chief Natus Zebakame, Karibo Okele, Benson Philip Perekeme, Dr. Promise Azor, and Engr. Genesis Ziperedein Faribo to dump APC for the PDP.

Recently, at the formal opening of a new State Secretariat of the PDP in Yenagoa, the Governor said the PDP was reinventing itself to have a brand-new and united party ahead of the 2023 elections.

He acknowledged those who have returned to the party from the main opposition APC and charged PDP faithful to go out to encourage many more in the opposition to return to their original party, the PDP.

“For those who left us for one reason or the other, we have forgiven them and you know that most of them have returned to our party. It is a very long list and we felt their presence in the party in the last December Senatorial Bye-Elections in the Central and West. The day we are going to have an open ceremony to receive all the defectors, Bayelsa will shake to realise that no one is left on the other side. What we should do now is to go and mop up our people who are still remaining on the other side. For us, today marks the beginning of a new chapter. PDP is love; PDP is light. We will continue to bring light and development to Bayelsa. PDP will continue to unite Bayelsa State,” Diri stated.

Bayelsa State is indeed blessed to have such a man of peace as governor at this time. From his inaugural address on February 14th, 2020, he has left no one in doubt as to his agenda to restore peace, love and unity among the people. Diri is more focused on activities that will engender peace, stability and development of the State. More hands therefore, need to be on deck to make the dream become a reality. Hence, he has thrown his hands wide open to welcome many more Bayelsans in the opposition back to the PDP.

While it is true that life might take you to unexpected places in search for gold, the love for the State should ordinarily bring one back home. After all, there is popular saying that, “The best journey indeed always takes you home.” The home of the PDP in Bayelsa State is already swelling under the leadership of a man of courage, peace and prosperity, the Governor for all, Senator Douye Diri, who always proudly declares that “Bayelsa is PDP and PDP is Bayelsa.”

•Kola Oredipe is Director, New Media to Bayelsa Governor.

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