Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described Tuesday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) state congress as unprecedented in the history of the party in the state.
The congress, held at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, witnessed a large turnout of delegates, party leaders and members. Despite the impressive attendance, the exercise was conducted peacefully and without rancour.
Governor Diri noted that the smooth conduct of the congress marked a clear departure from previous party exercises that were often characterised by conflict and internal strife. He expressed gratitude to God, party members, and both state and national officials for ensuring a successful outing.
Charging the newly elected state executive, which emerged by consensus, the governor urged them to see themselves as torchbearers of the party and to place loyalty to the APC above individual interests.
“You are now the torchbearers of the APC in Bayelsa State. Work harmoniously with leaders and various caucuses across the state to further unite our party,” he said.
He stressed that the “new APC” in Bayelsa had no room for factionalism, urging members to always consult widely and seek divine guidance in building a virile and formidable party structure.
According to him, the APC remains the dominant political platform in the state, boasting a formidable governance structure from the state to the national level. He called on members to make Bayelsa a reference point for party unity among the 36 states of the federation.
“In every family there are bound to be misunderstandings, but what matters is our ability to resolve disputes amicably,” the governor added.
In his welcome address, the outgoing Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, commended Governor Diri for his inclusive leadership style, particularly his efforts at building consensus and reconciling previously warring factions within the party.
Otiotio congratulated the governor for ensuring peaceful and widely accepted ward, local government and state congresses. He also thanked members of the outgoing executive for their commitment to the party’s progress.
He expressed satisfaction at the visible strength of the APC in the state, noting that the party’s flag now flies proudly at the Government House.
A former Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, moved a motion for the dissolution of the former executive, which was seconded by the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere.
In his acceptance speech, the new State Chairman, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, a former member of the House of Representatives, pledged that the executive would work collaboratively with party stakeholders to sustain unity and secure electoral victories in future contests.
Ogoriba commended Governor Diri for fostering inclusiveness and strengthening cohesion within the party.
The congress was supervised by the APC State Congress Committee led by Zakari Adimbo and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Mallam Isah Ehimeakhe.
Other members of the 37-man executive include Ayobegha James (Deputy Chairman), Barr. Japan Odoji (Secretary), Luke Demeoru (Assistant Secretary), Ebi Waribigha (Vice Chairman, East), Godbless Diriwari (Vice Chairman, Central), and Akwakwa B. Akwakwa (Vice Chairman, West).
Also elected were Barr. Ebiotu Seleketimibi (Legal Adviser), Preye Prefa (Treasurer), Ishmael Okpo (Financial Secretary), Edigirisi Orubu (Organising Secretary) and James Inengite (Publicity Secretary), among others.
A legal practitioner, Mr. Stanley Damabide, administered the oath of office on the newly elected chairman and other executive members.
Among dignitaries in attendance were Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Benson Agadaga, Hon. Oforji Oboku, Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei, and members of the State House of Assembly.
Also present were the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; and former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, among other party stakeholders.