Peter Obi Joins Seriake Dickson For Bayelsa Homecoming, Boat Regatta

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, travelled to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to attend the grand homecoming ceremony honouring Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of their party. The visit drew large crowds of supporters and provided a platform for Obi to outline alternative governance strategies, sharply contrasting current federal administrative practices with his own policy platform.

Addressing stakeholders in the riverine state, Obi directed criticism toward President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s domestic presence and foreign travel record. “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 stated. Offering a direct commitment to regional engagement, he added: “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.” Pledging Regional Port Decentralisation Shifting focus to economic development, Obi addressed the maritime and commercial viability of the Niger Delta. Decrying the systemic underutilisation of coastal economic corridors, he committed to a decentralised port expansion strategy.

“In Bayelsa, I pledged that we would begin efforts to upgrade ports throughout the Niger Delta, including those in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar,” Obi announced. He further pledged to accelerate stalled regional 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 reaffirmed his broader national policy framework, emphasising that national security, anti-corruption enforcement, and heavy capital investments in human capital—specifically healthcare and education—remain prerequisites for pulling citizens out of poverty.

The political engagement concluded with traditional festivities as Obi joined Senator Henry Seriake Dickson in his hometown of Toru-Orua, situated within the Sagbama Local Government Area. The political delegation partook in local cultural displays, capping the visit by attending a traditional canoe war game and boat regatta along the community waterways.

Obi commended local and national party leadership for the coordination of the event, offering closing congratulations to his host: “I congratulate my dear brother, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, on his successful return home. I appreciate our party’s national and state leadership, members as well as the good people of Bayelsa for good organisation, warm reception and successful event.”