AMASSOMA, BAYELSA — Member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, led members and supporters of the APC on a solidarity walk through Amassoma as part of consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The exercise followed a Town Hall meeting attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, community development leaders, women and youth representatives and other stakeholders from Southern Ijaw Constituency 1.
The campaign delegation had earlier visited Bietebi-Ama, Ambaiowei’s compound in Amassoma, where he met with members of his extended family and community representatives before proceeding to the Amassoma Council of Chiefs.
At the palace of the Amananaowei of Amassoma, Ambaiowei explained that the visit was intended to formally brief the traditional institution and community on his activities as a federal legislator and to seek continued support.
“Whenever you want to do something in your community, you must first come to your compound. That’s where you were born, to intimate them that you’re going to the entire community. It is the duty of your compound to now project you to the entire community.”
He subsequently appealed to the traditional rulers and community members to attend the Town Hall meeting where, he said, he would present details of his legislative activities and interventions.
Ambaiowei Appeals for Understanding
Addressing the gathering at the Town Hall, Ambaiowei thanked the people of Amassoma for what he described as their support during his first electoral contest and tenure in the House of Representatives.
He also appealed to members of the community who felt that his representation had not met their expectations to forgive him and understand the limitations of his office as a legislator.
“As I stand here today, I am begging the Amassoma Community to please forgive me in any area that I have gone wrong, anyone that I have offended, please forgive me.”
Explaining the distinction between legislative representation and executive responsibility, he said:
“I am now in a place for law-making. I am not a Chief Executive. If you’re a lawmaker, you have to plead most times before getting something to the community. You have to plead before bringing something to your community. That’s the nature of Parliament.”
Ambaiowei also outlined a number of interventions and initiatives which he said he had facilitated or pursued for Amassoma and other communities in the constituency.
These included a medical outreach, fishing-related training and support, classroom construction and provision of educational materials, street solar lighting, a solar-powered borehole, road-related interventions and efforts towards the completion of the Amassoma shoreline protection project.
He also spoke about proposals and budgetary provisions relating to the renovation of the doctors’ quarters and hospital facilities in Amassoma, as well as solar-powered public toilets.
Push for Federal School of Nursing and Midwifery
A major part of his address centred on his efforts to establish a Federal School of Nursing and Midwifery in Amassoma.
Ambaiowei said he had sponsored and advocated the proposal at the National Assembly, arguing that the institution could provide educational, employment and healthcare opportunities for residents.
“I sponsored a bill, stood on the floor of the House and spoke on the need to establish a School of Nursing and Midwifery in Amassoma.”
He said the proposed institution would complement the presence of Niger Delta University and could create additional opportunities for the community if approved and implemented.
Appeal for Support in 2027
Ambaiowei, who is seeking another term in the House of Representatives on the platform of the APC, appealed to the community to support the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.
“As you supported me the other time, also support me now. All that you did for the success of my first term, also do the same for me so that I can return to complete the works that I have started in the House of Representatives.”
He also identified the APC candidates he said were seeking support at the presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly levels.
According to the current INEC election calendar, the 2027 Presidential/National Assembly election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship/State House of Assembly election is scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Traditional Ruler Seeks Further Engagement
Earlier, the Acting Amananaowei of Amassoma, HRH Chief Godswill Akedesuo, welcomed the engagement and requested further consultations involving the Council of Chiefs, women and youths.
“On behalf of the community, I’ll not say more than to appeal to you that after today’s events, you should schedule another day for an exclusive parley with the Council of Chiefs, the women and youths. That way, we can discuss like father and son and discuss the best way forward with you.”
He also assured Ambaiowei of the community’s willingness to engage with him on issues affecting Amassoma.
Stakeholders Speak
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children Welfare, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi, urged the community to support the APC candidates while appealing for peaceful political engagement.
The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Board, Hon. Kuroakegha Dorgu, also called for support for the APC candidates, while former Commissioner for Finance and APC chieftain, Dr. Solomon Apreala, appealed to the community to consider Ambaiowei’s efforts towards the proposed Federal School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Senator Friday Konbowei Benson, who joined the meeting, commended the community for its participation and encouraged continued engagement with Ambaiowei.
Former Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Keme Wariebi, also urged voters to support the APC candidates, while Technical Adviser on Local Government Affairs, High Chief Douye Douglas Naingba, described the proposed nursing and midwifery institution as an important development initiative for Amassoma.
The Amassoma Women’s Leader, Chief (Mrs.) Elmina Saifiyai, meanwhile, appealed to Ambaiowei to give greater attention to widows, orphans and elderly women in the community, including possible stipends and scholarships.
Solidarity Walk
Following the Town Hall meeting, Ambaiowei led participants on a solidarity walk through parts of Amassoma in support of the APC’s 2027 campaign efforts.
The walk featured party supporters and community members carrying campaign materials and expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Friday Konbowei Benson, Hon. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei and Dr. Coronation Edward Tokpo.
The event formed part of the ongoing political consultations and grassroots mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Report: Robinson Ere Erebi
aka Campaign First Son
EMTV News
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