The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State on Tuesday held what Governor Douye Diri described as a historic and peaceful state congress, culminating in the emergence of Hon. Warman Ogoriba as the new chairman of the party.
The congress, which took place at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, attracted a large turnout of delegates, party leaders and members from across the state.
Addressing participants at the event, Governor Diri said the exercise marked a significant departure from previous congresses of the party in the state, which had often been characterised by disagreements and violence.
According to him, the conduct of the congress demonstrated a new level of unity and maturity within the party.
Despite the large gathering, the governor noted that the process remained peaceful, orderly and rancour-free, describing it as the first time such an atmosphere had been witnessed during the party’s congress in Bayelsa.
He expressed appreciation to God, party members, state and national officials as well as other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the exercise.
Diri congratulated the newly elected state executive members, who emerged through a consensus arrangement, and urged them to see themselves as the torchbearers of the party in the state.
He advised the new leadership to prioritise the interests of the party above personal loyalties, stressing that their allegiance should be to the APC and its leaders at both national and state levels.
“You are now the torch bearers of the APC in Bayelsa State,” the governor said.
“Work harmoniously with leaders and caucuses across the state to strengthen the unity of our party.”
He emphasised that the “new APC” in Bayelsa must remain free from factional divisions, urging members of the executive to promote consultation, cooperation and unity in their dealings.
Diri also called on the party leadership to seek divine guidance in building a stronger and more vibrant political structure in the state.
Describing the outcome of the congress as a victory for the party, the governor stated that the APC currently enjoys strong political influence at both national and state levels.
He said the party had become a formidable political force in Bayelsa due to its broad support base and the presence of experienced political leaders within its ranks.
According to him, Bayelsa should serve as a model for other states in the country in terms of party unity and organisation.
“In every family there may be misunderstandings, but what matters is the ability to resolve them,” he added.
In his welcome address, the outgoing caretaker committee chairman of the Bayelsa APC, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, commended Governor Diri for his leadership style, which he said had fostered unity among party members.
Otiotio noted that the governor’s emphasis on consensus building helped reconcile previously divided factions within the party.
He said the governor’s efforts ensured that the ward, local government and state congresses were conducted peacefully and that their outcomes were widely accepted by party stakeholders.
The outgoing chairman also thanked members of the former executive committee for their dedication to the party and expressed satisfaction that the APC now occupies Government House in Bayelsa.
The congress witnessed the formal dissolution of the previous executive committee following a motion moved by a former Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi.
The motion was seconded by the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere.
Responding after his emergence, the new state chairman, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, pledged to work with party leaders and members to strengthen unity within the APC.
Ogoriba, a former member of the House of Representatives, said the new executive would prioritise cohesion within the party in order to secure electoral victories in future elections in the state.
He also praised Governor Diri for promoting inclusiveness and for playing a key role in uniting party members.
The state congress was supervised by the APC State Congress Committee led by Zakari Adimbo and other members of the committee.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Mallam Isah Ehimeakhe, monitored the process.
Other members of the newly inaugurated 37-member state executive committee include Ayobegha James as Deputy Chairman, Barrister Japan Odoji as Secretary and Luke Demeoru as Assistant Secretary.
The executive also features Ebi Waribigha as Vice Chairman (East), Godbless Diriwari as Vice Chairman (Central), and Akwakwa B. Akwakwa as Vice Chairman (West).
Other officials include Barrister Ebiotu Seleketimibi as Legal Adviser, Preye Prefa as Treasurer, Ishmael Okpo as Financial Secretary, Edigirisi Orubu as Organising Secretary and James Inengite as Publicity Secretary, among others.
A legal practitioner, Mr. Stanley Damabide, administered the oath of office on the new chairman and members of the executive committee.
Several prominent party leaders and stakeholders attended the congress.
Among them were Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Benson Agadaga, Hon. Oforji Oboku and Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei.
Also present were the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; and a former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah.
Members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and other party stakeholders from across the state also attended the event.
