By Robinson Ere Erebi
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!For over 16 years, the Ambaiowei family has sustained a modest but culturally rich Christmas tradition—an annual gathering centred on feasting, fellowship and gratitude to God. Held every December 25, the event, popularly known as the Christmas Goat Peppersoup Party, has grown from a quiet family affair into a major socio-political convergence following the election of Hon. Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei into the House of Representatives, representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency.
The 2025 edition was no exception. Family members, political associates, constituency stakeholders, friends and socialites from across political divides converged at the Yenagoa residence of Comrade High Chief Ambaiowei Abaye Ambaiowei, where the federal lawmaker hosted guests to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
The atmosphere was festive and colourful, with performances by the Karinto Music Band and popular Ijaw traditional artiste Allen Otobo, who thrilled guests with melodious indigenous tunes. Guests danced freely as they enjoyed well-prepared goat peppersoup, served with boiled unripe plantain, palm oil and assorted drinks—an experience many described as a celebration of unity, culture and brotherhood.
Speaking to Erevision MediaTV at the close of the event, Hon. Ambaiowei reflected on the deeper meaning of the gathering, noting that the celebration came amid a period of collective grief in Bayelsa State.
“Once more, I want to wish the people of Bayelsa State a merry Christmas. The year 2025 was not a pleasant year for us, because towards the end of the year we lost our iconic Deputy Governor, who was an anchorman to the Governor and someone who helped stabilise the state,” he said.
He disclosed that he had contemplated cancelling the event but was guided by faith to proceed.
“This Goat Peppersoup Party is an annual ritual we do. I almost cancelled this year’s event, but our Lord says in everything we do, we should give thanks to God. God knows why we lost the Deputy Governor, and we cannot remain in a moody state forever because God has a purpose.”
According to the lawmaker, the essence of the gathering transcends entertainment.
“The reason we gather Southern Ijaw people and the entire state is to glorify God at the end of every year. The essence of man’s existence is to glorify God. For Him to have kept us alive from the beginning of the year till now, there is every need to glorify Him. That, for me, is the most important reason I celebrate Christmas.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Hon. Ambaiowei expressed optimism for Southern Ijaw and Bayelsa State, particularly following recent political realignments.
“Before now, Bayelsa State and my constituency were not aligned with the Federal Government, and when your state is of a different party, you cannot benefit as much as expected. But to God be the glory, the Governor—whom I regard as my mentor and a meritocrat—considered it necessary to align with the Federal Government so that the dividends of democracy can come to the state.”
He cited the Nembe–Brass Road project as a clear sign of the benefits of this alignment.
“You can now see the inroad with the Nembe–Brass Road. That is an economic hub we foresee for the future, especially in the area of the Blue Economy and marine development. The Federal Government has graciously approved it.”
The lawmaker further stated that his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) positions his constituency for greater federal attention.
“As the Governor is now in APC, I am also in APC, having defected officially on the floor of the House. We expect more from the Federal Government. I see a brighter hope, a brighter future, and a renewed hope prosperity agenda for Southern Ijaw and Bayelsa State in 2026.”
On his campaign promises and legislative scorecard, Hon. Ambaiowei acknowledged challenges but reaffirmed his commitment to service.
“Promises are promissory notes, but only people with value keep promises. I made many promises in January 2025 believing the budget would be fully implemented. Unfortunately, the capital component was not implemented as expected, which slowed down many projects.”
He, however, urged patience and understanding.
“I don’t want to blame anyone. The global economy has been challenging. But the much we achieved, we thank God for it. The ones we couldn’t achieve yet will still be fulfilled. As we say in Bayelsa, ‘Uzou lala indi koro gha e’—it is a gradual process.”
In his Christmas message to constituents, the lawmaker called for faith, unity and hope.
“My message to my constituents is simple: embrace Christ. With Christ, all things are possible. With God, nothing is impossible. It is not of him that runs or wills, but of God who shows mercy. If we truly believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, all that we desire will come to pass, and Bayelsa—the Glory of All Lands—will reach its fullness.”
As the celebration wound down, the gathering once again affirmed the Christmas Goat Peppersoup Party not just as a festive tradition, but as a powerful symbol of unity, gratitude and shared hope for a better future in Southern Ijaw and Bayelsa State.
Kindly share
I
