According to a report by The Sun, Bayelsa State has been abuzz with speculation that its governor, Duoye Diri, might follow the example of his Delta State counterpart by leaving the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress. Concerns over this potential move have grown louder in recent weeks, prompting community leaders to weigh in on the possible fallout. Among them, Elder Asu Beks, President of the Ijaw Media Forum and Publisher of Shipping World Magazine, issued a stern warning about the consequences of such a defection for both the governor and the wider Ijaw community.
Elder Asu Beks described the rumours as unfounded and insisted that Governor Diri possesses the wisdom and foresight to remain within the PDP. He emphasised that any attempt to abandon the party under whose banner Diri was elected would not only betray the trust of his supporters but also risk alienating the very people he serves. According to him, the move would undermine the collective aspirations of the Ijaw nation and erode the solidarity that has been carefully cultivated over decades.
Beyond the question of party allegiance, Elder Asu Beks addressed several pressing regional and national issues. He expressed deep reservations about the ongoing state of emergency in neighbouring Rivers State, warning that prolonged military intervention risks escalating tensions rather than restoring order. He urged a timely return to civilian governance, arguing that elected officials, if allowed to fulfil their mandates, are better positioned to engage communities and tackle the root causes of unrest.
Turning to the federal level, Elder Asu Beks assessed the performance of President Bola Tinubu as he marks two years in office. He noted progress in areas such as economic reform and infrastructure development, while cautioning that more needs to be done to address rising cost of living and to create sustainable job opportunities. He suggested that continued collaboration between state and federal authorities will be critical for maintaining momentum and ensuring that policy measures translate into tangible improvements for ordinary citizens.
In anticipation of the 2027 general election, Elder Asu Beks spoke about the possibility of opposition parties forming a coalition to challenge the ruling party. He argued that a united front could strengthen the democratic process by offering voters a clear alternative, provided the coalition is grounded in shared principles rather than mere convenience. He stressed that such an alliance must prioritise accountability and inclusiveness to resonate with a diverse electorate across Nigeria’s various regions.
He said: I do not want to believe that, but if it happens, we, the Ijaw people, will disown Douye Diri because APC is not a party to belong to.
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