The Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Inter-Party Relations, Jackson Suokiri, has denied allegations of interference in the recent Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) elections, insisting that the process was transparent, credible, and in line with established procedures.
Suokiri stated that nine positions were contested during the exercise, noting that six were resolved through consensus among participating political parties. He described the consensus process as peaceful and reflective of mutual agreement among party delegates.
He dismissed complaints from aggrieved members, describing them as “bad losers,” and maintained that the outcome of the election represented the collective will of accredited delegates.
Reacting to calls for his removal by some IPAC members, Suokiri said his appointment is at the discretion of the state governor, who, according to him, is fully briefed on all IPAC activities.
“I was appointed by the governor, and he is fully aware of everything happening within IPAC, not those protesting,” he said.
The Bayelsa IPAC elections have continued to stir controversy, with some stakeholders questioning the credibility of the process, while government officials insist there was no interference.
Suokiri further disclosed that the election was supervised by delegates from IPAC’s national headquarters.
The newly elected officers of the Bayelsa State IPAC are:
Hon. Simeon Imomotimi Karioru — Chairman (Zenith Labour Party, ZLP)
Pastor Mrs. Peace Oruama — Deputy Chairman (Allied Peoples Movement, APM)
Victor Ben — Secretary (Because Of Our Tomorrow, BOOT)
Esther Chenemi — Deputy Secretary
Akwakwa B. Akwakwa — Treasurer (All Progressives Congress, APC)
Prince Oniekpe — Organising Secretary (All People’s Party, APP)
Chief Indutimi Opurupelebo — Financial Secretary (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP)
Edwin Tare — Publicity Secretary (Action Democratic Party, ADP)
Chief (Barr.) Nabai Alfred Inemugha — Legal Adviser (Youth Party, YP)
About Author
