Gov Diri inaugurates RHA coordinators, sets up APC congress panels in Bayelsa
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, on Thursday inaugurated local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) under the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), charging them to galvanise grassroots support ahead of the party’s forthcoming congresses and the 2027 general elections.
The inauguration took place during an APC stakeholders’ meeting at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, where the governor also unveiled committees to oversee ward congresses across the eight local government areas of the state.
Addressing party leaders and members, Diri urged the newly appointed coordinators to mobilise effectively at the ward, local government and state levels to ensure a seamless and successful congress process.
He confirmed that Chief Tiwei Orunimighe would continue to serve as the state coordinator of the RHA.
The governor emphasised the need for inclusive leadership within the party’s structure, advising local and state leaders to work closely with the South-South zonal coordinator, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, in strengthening the APC’s foothold in the region.
Diri cautioned party leaders against internal divisions and political rivalry, stressing that unity must supersede personal ambitions.
He called on members to suspend individual political aspirations and align behind President Bola Tinubu in preparation for the 2027 presidential contest.
According to him, the overriding priority of the party is to secure Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“We are aware that some of you have personal political ambitions,” the governor said.
“However, such ambitions should be set aside for now. Our collective goal is clear to ensure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
”His nomination as the APC’s sole presidential candidate must remain our top priority.”
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The inaugurated RHA local government coordinators are:
Kuro Matthias Nyenye (Nembe)
Dr. Godson Torukuru (Yenagoa)
Uroh Kiani (Brass)
Engr. Biewari Orupeighe (Southern Ijaw)
High Chief Okubokakpo Ombu (Sagbama)
Chief Ebinyo Turner (Ogbia)
Rt. Hon. Tonye Isenah (Kolokuma/Opokuma)
Hon. Orubebe Ogeibiri (Ekeremor).
Governor Diri also named key party figures to head ward congress committees across the state’s local government areas.
For Brass, the committee comprises Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Hon. Sunny Goli and Victor Sam-Ateki.
Ekeremor’s panel includes Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Deputy Speaker Michael Ogbere; former Deputy Governor Peremobowei Ebebi; Chief Fidelis Agbiki; and Hon. Tari Porri.
Kolokuma/Opokuma will be overseen by Chief Isaac Kumokou (Constituency I) and Dr. Tarilah Tebepah (Constituency II).
In Nembe, members include acting state chairman Dr. Dennis Otiotio; Senator Degi Eremienyo; former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (Rtd); Hon. Ebi Ben-Ololo; and Hon. Oteigbanyo Braah.
Ogbia’s committee has Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; Senator Benson Agadaga; and Hon. Gabriel Ogbara.
For Sagbama, the panel features Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Commission, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare; Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe; and Chief Kemi Prefa.
Southern Ijaw’s ward congress will be coordinated by Senator Konbowei Benson; Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei; Monday Obolo-Bubou; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; and Chief David Lyon.
In Yenagoa, the committee members are former Acting Governor and Speaker, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu; Hon. Oforji Oboku; Dr. Gentle Emelah; and Chief Boma Spero-Jack.
In his remarks, APC caretaker committee chairman, Dr. Otiotio, announced that the party’s national secretariat had released the timetable for the congresses and national convention.
He disclosed that ward congresses are scheduled for February 18, local government congresses for February 21, while the state congress will take place on March 1, 2026.
The meeting ended with a renewed call for cohesion among party stakeholders as preparations intensify for the congresses and the broader political contests ahead.
