Governor Diri Inaugurates Bayelsa APC Secretariat, Leaders Extol Unity Efforts

Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, recently commissioned an ultramodern All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat located in Yenagoa. Governor Diri referred to the newly constructed building as the "unity secretariat," highlighting its role in uniting key party stakeholders under one roof after many years. He conveyed his gratitude to members who, despite not succeeding in the recent party primaries, chose to remain steadfast, acknowledging them as the true heroes of the Bayelsa APC. Emphasizing the crucial role of loyalty in political engagement, Diri stated that his leadership would be ineffective without the unwavering support of party members.

Governor Diri made an appeal, stating, “I like to appeal that nobody should feel side-lined as nobody came to hijack the party. For those who did not succeed in the last primaries, you are the heroes of this party as there was no winner nor loser. The only winner is the APC.” He further articulated the party's commitment to strength and unity for collective success, noting, “We want to keep this party very strong so we can have the unity we need to succeed. Positions are opportunities and privileges that should be used to empower people. It is one thing to lead and another for people to follow.” The governor reassured unrewarded members, saying, “For those yet to be rewarded, keep praying and your benefit will come. APC in Bayelsa is more democratic than any other party and we showed it in the last primaries.” He concluded by designating the new facility as a central hub for party affairs: “This new secretariat is our house and whatever issues we have, they will be attended to here. We are happy that the party has a conducive place to work to improve productivity.”

Following the inauguration ceremony, a stakeholders' meeting was convened where prominent party leaders, including the state APC chairman, Warman Ogoriba, extended their gratitude to Governor Diri for providing such a suitable complex. Ogoriba, speaking on behalf of the stakeholders and the state working committee members, declared, “This is the best political party secretariat in the country; it will deepen our party’s unity and motivate members to work for APC’s victory in the 2027 general election.”

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, commended Governor Diri's remarkable leadership, attributing the party's unity in Bayelsa State to his efforts. Senator Lokpobiri confidently projected victory for the party's candidates, especially within his Bayelsa West senatorial district, in the 2027 elections, adding that several politicians from opposing parties would be "retired" post-polls.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who serves as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), observed the rapid progress of the newly unified APC family in Bayelsa. He extended an invitation to "those on the other side" to align with the party's vision for the advancement of both the state and the nation.

Furthermore, other prominent stakeholders, including Senator Konbowei Benson (representing Bayelsa Central), Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown (member for Sagbama Constituency 3 in the House of Assembly), and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare (Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority), each offered separate remarks. They collectively thanked the governor for the new secretariat and the prevailing unity within the party, voicing strong optimism for an APC victory across Bayelsa State in the 2027 elections.

In his concluding remarks, the Bayelsa governor lauded the evident unity among party members, reiterating that the collective strength of the party stemmed from their collaborative efforts.

Chief Ndutimi Aliabe, a former Managing Director of the NDDC, delivered a goodwill message, announcing his return to the APC fold. He also expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for his exemplary leadership and the developmental progress witnessed in the state.