The immediate past governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa State, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing his decision to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s numerous development projects in his Agudiama/Ekpetiama community in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Eradiri, who registered as an APC member in Ward 10, Constituency 2, Yenagoa Local Government Area, stated that President Tinubu, through the Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has provided his community with potable water, shore protection, solar streetlights, and a one-kilometre road.
He emphasized that similar projects have been executed in many communities across the Niger Delta as part of the NDDC’s interventionist programs under the Tinubu-led administration.
According to Eradiri, the NDDC has also pledged to remodel the community’s secondary school and construct a quality lodge for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the area.
He highlighted how the Tantita Security Services, backed by the NDDC and President Tinubu, has contributed to the peace and security of the Niger Delta, ensuring progress in infrastructural development.
“The recent signing of the Maritime University Bill and the establishment of the University of Technology and Environment in Ogoni by President Tinubu will further deepen peace in the region,” Eradiri noted.
He also praised the ongoing construction of the East-West Road, stating that under Minister of Works, Dr. Dave Umahi, the project has received more attention than in previous administrations.
Explaining his defection, Eradiri said it was only reasonable to align with President Tinubu, given his administration’s contributions to his community and the Niger Delta.
“For me, President Tinubu is one man I have admired since I was young. This decision allows me to work with him and learn from him to ensure the success of his Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
He recalled his past support for Tinubu’s vision for restructuring Nigeria, particularly during the PRONACO meetings in Lagos in 2006, and expressed confidence in the government’s tax reforms and economic strategies.
“The Tantita project has created job opportunities for many young people in the region, reducing crime through effective pipeline surveillance. There is no better way to say thank you than to join a government that is delivering results,” he added.
Eradiri assured APC members in Bayelsa that he would work with stakeholders to strengthen the party in the state and at the national level.
He urged his supporters and all Niger Delta stakeholders to support President Tinubu’s administration for continued progress and development.