Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has commended the peaceful conduct and outcome of the ward congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held across the state on Wednesday.
Governor Diri gave the commendation at his hometown, Sampou, headquarters of Sampou/Kalama Ward 6 in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, after participating in the exercise.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor congratulated party delegates for unanimously electing new ward executives across the state through consensus and affirmation. He described the process as generally peaceful and widely accepted by party members.
The governor emphasised that politics should serve as a unifying force rather than a source of division, stressing that the ultimate goal of political engagement is to foster development at the community, local government, and state levels.
He expressed confidence that the APC national leadership would be proud of the conduct of the congresses in Bayelsa, noting that the exercise was largely rancour-free according to reports available to him. He also expressed optimism that the forthcoming local government and state congresses would follow the same peaceful pattern.
Governor Diri appreciated the party’s National Executive Council, the Bayelsa State Caretaker Committee led by Dr. Dennis Otiotio, and other party leaders for their roles in ensuring a smooth process. He also acknowledged the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for observing and contributing to the peaceful conduct of the exercise.
According to him, the voice vote affirmation in Sampou/Kalama Ward 6 demonstrated unity among party members and reflected a shared commitment to progress and development. He urged party faithful to maintain the spirit of oneness, noting that unity would accelerate development across Bayelsa State.
The Sampou/Kalama Ward 6 congress was conducted by the State Congress Election Committee chaired by Chief Frank Omare. Mr. Shedrach Fetuga emerged as Ward Chairman alongside other elected executives.
In his acceptance speech, Fetuga thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and his executive team, pledging to work towards strengthening the party’s structure in the area and positioning it for victory in future elections, including the 2027 governorship poll.
The exercise was witnessed by the Chairman of the State Congress Screening Committee, Hon. Oghene Egoh, as well as INEC observer, Engr. Prince Erasmus.
