Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has revealed the reasons behind his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking at the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, he said he defected in the interest of the state.

He stressed that his move to the ruling APC will only make sense with time.

This is the first time he has spoken publicly on the issue since resigning from the PDP on October 15.

The governor expressed happiness over the gathering of different political leaders at the Thanksgiving service, emphasising that the unity of Bayelsa was crucial for its development.

The two-term governor maintained that politics should be a tool for development, not a means to bring people down, and that his administration would continue to unite and advance the state.

According to him, the prevailing peace and security in the state, alongside its ongoing development, were reasons to be thankful to God. He also urged the people to imbibe the culture of thanksgiving.

He said, “Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP) and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now but later it will be clear to all.

“When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed, and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God.

“The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God. Politics is for development and not to kill your brother. The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state.”