Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, has promised to make regular visits to Bayelsa State if elected president, saying leaders must engage directly with communities and understand their concerns.
Titiansloaded reports that Obi made the pledge during a visit to Yenagoa for the homecoming celebration of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the NDC’s national leader. The event attracted large numbers of supporters and party members.
Addressing stakeholders, Obi criticised President Bola Tinubu over his record of visiting Bayelsa, contrasting it with the president’s foreign travels.
“After more than three years in office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not considered it appropriate to spend even one night in Bayelsa State, despite spending over 260 days abroad,” Obi said.
He assured residents that his approach to leadership would be different, promising to visit the state and listen to people’s needs.
“I assured our numerous supporters and the people of Bayelsa State that this will not happen under my leadership. I will visit Bayelsa to hear directly from our people and respond to their concerns,” he added.
Obi also outlined plans to strengthen the Niger Delta’s maritime economy through port development. He said his proposed strategy would include upgrading facilities in Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar.
The former Anambra governor further pledged to move forward with the long-delayed Ibaka seaport project in Akwa Ibom and establish another port in Bayelsa to improve access for riverine communities and the wider region.
He said his national agenda would prioritise security, anti-corruption efforts and investment in healthcare and education, describing human capital development as essential to reducing poverty.
The visit concluded with cultural activities in Dickson’s hometown of Toru-Orua, in Sagbama Local Government Area. Obi joined the senator in a traditional boat regatta and other community celebrations.
He congratulated Dickson on his homecoming and thanked the party’s national and state leadership, members and Bayelsa residents for organising the event and welcoming the delegation.
