The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to upgrade existing seaports across the Niger Delta and establish new port facilities in Bayelsa State if elected president.
Obi also promised to begin construction of the long-delayed Ibaka Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, saying his proposed administration would prioritise maritime infrastructure development to improve economic activities and create opportunities for communities across the region.
He made the promises on Friday, October 30, during a homecoming ceremony in honour of the NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, in Yenagoa.
Obi, who travelled from Enugu to attend the event, said his proposed port development programme would cover existing facilities in Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar, while a new port would be established in Bayelsa to serve riverine communities and the wider Niger Delta.
He stated, “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 added that his administration would also pursue the development of new maritime facilities in the region.
“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 said.
The former Anambra State governor also criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as the President’s failure to visit Bayelsa State since assuming office, despite spending considerable time outside the country.
Obi told supporters and residents at the event that Tinubu had not spent a night in the state in more than three years in office, despite spending over 260 days abroad.
He assured the people that such an approach would not be adopted under his leadership, promising to maintain direct engagement with communities and respond to their concerns.
“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 said.
Obi further reaffirmed his commitment to national unity, security and the fight against corruption, while promising substantial investments in healthcare and education.
He said, “I reaffirmed our commitment to unite and secure the country, fight corruption, and make substantial investments in healthcare and education while lifting our people out of poverty.”
The visit also featured a traditional canoe war game and boat regatta in Dickson’s hometown of Toru-Orua, in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Obi congratulated Dickson on his successful homecoming and commended the party’s national and state leadership, members and residents of Bayelsa for the organisation and warm reception.
He expressed appreciation to the people for their support, describing the visit as an opportunity to strengthen his engagement with communities in the state.
Reaffirming his optimism about the country’s future, Obi declared, “A New Nigeria is possible, and Nigeria will be OK!”