…Otiotio Lauds Diri’s Leadership
From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the conduct of Tuesday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) state congress as the first of its kind in the history of the party’s congresses in the state.
At the congress held at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa governor observed that despite the large turnout of delegates, party leaders and members, the exercise was rancour-free, peaceful and successful.
He also noted that it was a clear departure from previous elections of the party that were fraught with
conflicts and violence.
Governor Diri expressed gratitude to God, party members, state, and national officials and other stakeholders for the success recorded.
He charged the new state executive, which emerged by consensus, to see themselves as torch bearers of the party in the state.
He equally stated that as party executives, their loyalty should primarily be to the party and its leaders at the national and state levels rather than those who nominated them.
He urged them to work together to ensure the continued peace and progress of the state.
His words: “You are now the torch bearers of the APC in Bayelsa State. Work harmoniously with leaders and various caucuses across the state to unite us more as a people.
“The new APC in Bayelsa has no place for factions. Always consult and seek the face of God so as to build a virile and strong party. Today’s peaceful and successful state congress is a victory for the party.
“Your party is in power both at the national and state levels. The APC today is the party to beat in Bayelsa because we have a formidable structure of governance, made up of all the political gladiators from the state to the national level.
“Let Bayelsa be the reference point in the 36 states of the federation. I am happy with the way APC members are coming together in the state. In every family, there is bound to be some misunderstanding but we must have a way of resolving disputes.”
In his welcome address, the outgone caretaker committee chairman of the state APC, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, praised Governor Diri’s leadership style, particularly for building consensus across board, which he noted had brought everyone together as one family.
Dr. Otiotio also congratulated the governor for reconciling all warring factions within the party as well as ensured a unified, peaceful and successful ward, local government and state congresses, which outcomes were accepted by all.
He thanked members of the outgone executive for remaining committed to the success of the party, noting that today, he was delighted to see APC flag being flown at the Government House.
A former deputy governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, moved the motion for the dissolution of the former Exco while Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, seconded the motion.
In his response, the new chairman of the party, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, a former House of Reps member, assured that the new Exco would work with other members of the APC to sustain its unity in order to win all elections in the state.
Ogoriba commended Governor Diri for his inclusive leadership and for unifying the party.
Chairman of the APC state congress committee, Zakari Adimbo, and other members of the committee, supervised the process, which was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mallam Isah Ehimeakhe, and other officials of the electoral body.
Others in the 37-member new Exco 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).
It also includes Legal Adviser, Barr. Ebiotu Seleketimibi, Treasurer, Preye Prefa, Financial Secretary, Ishmael Okpo, Organising Secretary, Edigirisi Orubu and Publicity Secretary, James Inengite among others.
A legal practitioner, Mr. Stanley Damabide, administered the oath of office on the new chairman and other members of the executive.
In attendance at the congress were leaders of the party, including Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Benson Agadaga, Hon. Oforji Oboku, Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei and state lawmakers.
Also present were the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, former deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah among others.
