Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – Prominent businessman and grassroots mobiliser, Hon. Richard Akinaka, has lamented the leadership vacuum in Bayelsa State, declaring that there is a deep yearning for responsible leadership at all levels.
Akinaka made the remarks during his visit to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) membership revalidation exercise in Yenagoa, where he formally received his PDP membership card and rejoined the Bayelsa State Chapter of the party under the leadership of Barr. George Turner, MON.
“There is a leadership gap in Bayelsa. Bayelsa state needs leadership. There is a yearning cry for leadership. There is a yearning gap for leadership at all levels,” Akinaka said. “People who found themselves in positions of authority have forgotten their responsibilities and are doing what they like. This is another circle for us to correct that and as a Party we must be alive to that responsibility and ensure we do the right to elect people with proven character.”
Expressing profound joy at the warm reception he received, Akinaka described the PDP as the authentic and organic party of the state.
“I don’t know how to express the joy I have inside of me right now for the massive acceptance reception I have received since I got here. I am coming to the state to congratulate the state PDP executive and to recalibrate my membership of this great Party, PDP. It shows that PDP is the only one and true party in Bayelsa State,” he said.
He added: “If you go to our villages, even in the smaller ones, the people only know PDP in Bayelsa. What we are witnessing now in the state is like somebody who is trying to adopt a biological parent. The biological party to Bayelsa State is PDP and everything about PDP in the state is organic. Here there is no quarrel. There is no way of trying to deceive people because it is a party that has grown with us and it is part and parcel of our bodies and even those who are in other parties are feeling the PDP blood in them.”
Akinaka urged party members to present credible candidates with proven character for elections, stressing that power belongs to the people.
“My advice to all of us here is to field candidates for the party. We can field candidates that will help us win elections so that we can enjoy the benefits of our labour,” he advised.
He further noted: “In this trying moment we must understand that this is the moment of despair and we must look to the moment of success. Also, we must know that power resides with the people by identifying credible people with proven characters and evidence in the attitude and display for overtime and it’s the cardinal point.”
The highlight of the event was the presentation of his membership card by the PDP State Chairman, Barr. George Turner, MON, who promised good leadership and victory for the party in the coming elections in the state.
The colourful ceremony featured the formal handover of party insignia, including membership cards and flags. It was attended by PDP executives, faithfuls, and supporters drawn from across Bayelsa State.
Party leaders welcomed Akinaka’s return, describing it as a major boost to the PDP’s efforts to reposition the party and provide credible leadership for Bayelsa State. The event turned into a celebration as Akinaka, described as a captain of industry and dedicated grassroots mobiliser, was officially inducted into the PDP.
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