Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, joined party national leader Senator Henry Seriake Dickson on Friday for a grand homecoming ceremony and traditional boat regatta in Bayelsa State.
The visit to Yenagoa and Dickson’s hometown of Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area drew large crowds of supporters and provided Obi a platform to criticise the current administration while outlining his development plans for the Niger Delta.
Obi took aim at President Bola Tinubu’s record of domestic and foreign travel.
“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 of a different approach if elected.
“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.
Focusing on economic development, Obi pledged a decentralised strategy to upgrade ports across the Niger Delta.
“In Bayelsa, I pledged that we would begin efforts to upgrade ports throughout the Niger Delta, including those in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar,” he announced.
He further committed to advancing stalled projects: “We will also begin construction of the long-delayed Ibaka seaport in Akwa Ibom State and establish a new port in Bayelsa State to serve our riverine communities and the broader Niger Delta more effectively.”
Obi reiterated that national security, anti-corruption measures and major investments in healthcare and education were essential to lifting Nigerians out of poverty.
The visit concluded with cultural festivities, including a traditional canoe war game and boat regatta along local waterways. Obi congratulated Dickson on his successful return home and thanked party leaders and the people of Bayelsa for their warm reception and organisation of the event.
