From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on ICT and Digital Innovation, Tokoni Peter Igoin, has urged former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Eradiri, while announcing his withdrawal from the LP, stated that he was seeking a political platform that would enable him to serve the people and advance Bayelsa State.
Igoin, accompanied by some of his aides and youths from his Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area, appealed to Eradiri, emphasising that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had demonstrated the capacity to transform the country’s fortunes.
Highlighting the President’s vision in ICT, Igoin noted that Tinubu’s bold reforms were yielding positive results and would gradually alleviate the country’s economic pains.
He remarked that President Tinubu placed significant value on youth development and preferred to work with intelligent, capable individuals like Eradiri.
Addressing Eradiri, he said: “I am not asking you to join the APC; I am rather begging you to join our party to support our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because he has shown the capacity to turn around the country. Our President values and empowers youths, and it will be a plus if you join me in the APC to support him.”
In response, Eradiri commended Tinubu for appointing someone from Bayelsa State to a significant position in his government, particularly in the ICT sector, which is predominantly dominated by the West.
He said Tinubu’s appointment of Igoin was a testament to his leadership style of recognising and working with talent without ethnic or religious bias.
Eradiri added that he had admired Tinubu’s leadership qualities since the NADECO days, noting that the President had continued to overcome challenges at Aso Rock with his bold reforms.
“I thank the President for identifying you and appointing you without bias. The problem he has is that people around him don’t share the same vision with him. Gradually, we are beginning to see the positive impact of his reforms. We will do our best to give you support,” Eradiri stated.
Addressing Igoin, he said: “You have been given a very rare position. The West dominates the sector, and for you to be given such an appointment means you are doing well in ICT. They have developed their own. Do your job and bring in competent people who can assist you.”
Eradiri advised governors in the Niger Delta to support presidential aides from the region, regardless of party affiliation, to ensure their success and help others from the area.
While pledging to work with Igoin to achieve the mandate of his office, Eradiri noted that he was still consulting on his next political platform but would consider the request to join the APC.
