The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday unveiled its newly completed state secretariat in Amarata and inaugurated advisory committees at both the state and local government levels during a stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa.
The gathering attracted party leaders, elected officials and stakeholders from across the state. Discussions centred on assessing the recently concluded party congresses and primary elections, as well as strategies for strengthening the party ahead of future political activities.
Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, were among the prominent figures who attended the meeting.
Speaking at the event, Diri called on party members to put aside any dissatisfaction arising from the congresses and primaries, stressing that unity and collective interest should take precedence over personal ambitions.
He noted that sacrifices were sometimes necessary to ensure harmony within the party and to sustain its growth.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the level of cohesion within the APC in Bayelsa, saying the party had overcome previous challenges and now enjoyed a stable and litigation-free environment.
According to him, party leaders, stakeholders and public office holders were working together towards a common goal.
He commended members for conducting peaceful and credible congresses and primaries and urged them to continue promoting dialogue, consensus-building and peaceful coexistence.
The meeting drew attendance from several influential political figures, including Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri; Konbowei Benson, who represents Bayelsa Central Senatorial District; and Rodney Ambaiowei, member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency.
Also present were Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; Secretary to the State Government, Nimibofa Ayawei; commissioners, lawmakers, local government chairmen and other senior government officials.
Heads of key regional development agencies attended the event as well, including Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare.
Other notable attendees included Bayelsa APC Chairman, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, alongside former Deputy Governors Chief Timi Alaibe, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd) and Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi.
