The immediate past governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing his decision to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development in his Agudiama/Ekpetiama community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Eradiri, who registered with the APC in Ward 10, Constituency 2, Yenagoa, highlighted projects initiated by the Tinubu administration through the Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), including potable water, shore protection, solar streetlights, and a one-kilometer road.
He noted that these interventions were not limited to his community but had also benefited many others in the Niger Delta, citing the region’s improved infrastructure and peace due to efforts by the NDDC and Tantita Security Services.
Additionally, Eradiri praised the federal government’s ongoing projects, including plans to remodel the local secondary school and build a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) lodge.
He also commended Tinubu for signing the Maritime University Bill into law and approving the University of Technology and Environment in Ogoni, which he believes will further stabilize the region.
The former Bayelsa Commissioner for Youths and later Environment lauded the Tinubu administration for appointing Bayelsa indigenes to key positions, such as the Head of Service, the Minister of State for Petroleum, and the Managing Director of the NDDC.
He also praised the government’s efforts to boost oil production and the accelerated construction of the East-West Road under Minister of Works, Dr. Dave Umahi.
He said with all the contributions of the President in his community and the Niger Delta through Tantita, the NDDC and the Ministry of Petroleum, it was only reasonable for him to join Tinubu and work with him in the APC to ensure the success of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He insisted that President Tinubu meant well for the Niger Delta and the country and called on his teeming supporters and all stakeholders in the region to work with the President.
Udengs commended all APC faithful in Bayelsa for warmly receiving him in the party and vowed to work with all the party stakeholders to reposition the APC in the state and the country.
He said: “In my community we have water project done by the APC government: shore protection being done by the APC government, solar light and one kilometre road. The APC government has also promised to carry out other projects like corners’ lodge and renovation of our secondary school.
“The best thing to do to thank such leadership is to join them and work for the success of the party. For me President Tinubu is one man I have admired since I was young and this will provide me the opportunity to learn from him and work with him to ensure that he succeeds.
“In 2006 when we attended the PRONACO meetings in Lagos he was one man who believed in a restructured Nigeria. I supported the PRONACO Movement and partook in it. I think that this is the best time to work with him. The Tinubu government gave us Head of Service, Ministry of Petroleum and the NDDC. His government has ensured the light up of the Niger Delta which has reduced crime to its barest minimum.
“Tinubu government is behind the Tantita project that has seen many young people in the Niger engaged because of the pipeline surveillance that has ensured the growth in the production of oil and reduction of crime in the Niger Delta. There is no other way to say thank you than to join the government that is doing well.
“The government is talking about tax reforms that will go a long way to bring about seriousness in governance and curb laziness. It will bring innovation and creativity as states and local government will begin to work harder and such will provide jobs for young people and engender growth and development.
“I see that the government has a lot to offer Nigeria and I won’t be an onlooker. I want to participate and contribute to it. I want to be part of those that participated in the revival and reorganisation of the country”.