Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dismissed rumours of his alleged plan to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing the renewed speculation to comments made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Speaking at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, during a thank-you visit by the member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Rodney Ambaiowei, and other stakeholders, Diri said he was neither disturbed nor distracted by the rumours.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dan Alabrah, the governor acknowledged that his recent presence at the inauguration of a section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project may have contributed to the speculation.

He, however, explained that his attendance was to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for the project, which he described as crucial to the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta.

Governor Diri reassured his supporters that any political decision would be made in consultation with the people who elected him.

“If for any reason there has to be a movement, you are the people who will advise me because you voted for me. The decision to move or not will be made based on the interest of the Ijaw nation and Bayelsa State, not my personal interest only. So, do not mind what is trending. When the right time comes, you will hear from us,” he stated.

“A fortnight ago, I was invited to Lagos for the inauguration of a section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road and the flag-off of phase two of the Nembe-Brass road. I raised observations when l saw a map of the coastal road displayed in the hall with Bayelsa and Edo states missing.

“l immediately drew the attention of the contractor and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to the anomaly. Both of them admitted error in the drawing as the two states were part of the project, and that it would be corrected.

“So, when it was the turn of the Minister to speak, he gave me special attention by stating that the Bayelsa governor was thinking progressively and working progressively. A lot of people then assumed that the deal had been done.

“The Minister of Works started this new wave that the Bayelsa governor was about to defect because of the attention he brought upon me on that day. At the end of the day, what is important is whether we can bring development to our place.”

Commending the people of Southern Ijaw for appreciating his Prosperity Government’s support and developmental projects in their area, Diri urged them to remain united, shun politics of division and focus on development.

He advised the political class to put God first while serving the people, adding that politics should be played according to the rules. (The Nation, excluding headline)