Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa on Friday, inaugurated an ultramodern secretariat complex of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yenagoa.
Diri described the beautiful edifice as the “unity secretariat” adding that it had brought key stakeholders of the party for the first time in many years, under one roof.
Also, in a brief remark during a stakeholders meeting after the commissioning ceremony, the governor lauded the unity among APC members, emphasizing that the strength of the party remained in working together.
He expressed appreciation to those, who though lost in the recent party primaries still remained in its fold, calling them the heroes of the APC in Bayelsa.
Diri stressed the importance of loyalty in politics, noting that without members standing solidly behind him, he would be unable to lead the party.
He assured party faithful that he would continue to operate an inclusive leadership style and urged leaders and political office holders at various levels to use their positions to uplift people and add value rather than oppress them.
He said: “I like to appeal that nobody should feel sidelined as nobody came to hijack the party.
“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.
“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.
“This new secretariat complex 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,” he said.
The governor equally lauded the reforms undertaken by President Bola Tinubu, which he said, informed his decision to join the APC, and appealed to Nigerians to be patient as the benefits would be felt soon.
Speaking, key leaders of the party, including the state APC Chairman, Chief Warman Ogoriba, thanked Diri on behalf of members of the state working committee for the complex.
Ogoriba, described the complex as the best party secretariat in the country, adding that it would deepen the party’s unity and motivate members to work for APC’s victory in the 2027 General Elections.
In his remarks, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, hailed the exceptional leadership quality of the governor, which he said, had united the party in Bayelsa.
He assured candidates of the party, particularly in his Bayelsa West Senatorial District, of victory in the 2027 General Elections.
The minister noted that some politicians in other parties would be retired after the polls.
Also, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, expressed happiness that he is part of the new unified APC family in the state.
Ogbuku said that APC is moving “very fast” and called on “those on the other side” to join the party in moving the state and country forward.
The Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, expressed gratitude to the governor for the secretariat and the unity of the party.
Amgbare expressed optimism that the APC would be victorious in 2027 across the state.
In a goodwill message, former NDDC Managing Director, Chief Ndutimi Aliabe, said he was back to the APC and thanked Diri for his leadership and development strides in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Deputy Governor, Mr Peter Akpe; Speaker of the State Assembly, Chief Abraham Ingobere; former Deputy Governors, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, and Chief Werinipere Seibarugu were present at the event.
Others at the event are Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); Sen. Barigha-Amange; the immediate past APC State Chairman, Dr. Dennis Otiotio and members of the state executive council.
The rest are Sen. Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central) and member representing Sagbama Constituency 3 in the House of Assembly, Chief Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown among other party stalwarts. (NAN)
