“We shall no longer remain passive observers while an individual who has dedicated the greater part of his life to championing justice for his people continues to suffer grave injustice. We, therefore, call for Okah’s immediate release.”
A key highlight of PANDEF’s message was the renewed call for urgent action on the longstanding infrastructural decay in the Niger Delta—the region that sustains the national economy. The forum emphasized that critical projects such as the East-West Road, the Benin–Auchi Road, the Benin–Warri Road, and the rehabilitation of major southern ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onne, and Warri can no longer be ignored if Nigeria intends to unlock its full economic potential.
“As we celebrate these momentous occasions, I am excited about the prospects for our nation and state,” Ambaiowei stated. “With unity, effort, and dedication, we will overcome our challenges and build a brighter future for all.”
While affirming Jonathan’s constitutional right to contest, Onanuga noted that any attempt to return to the presidency would face both legal scrutiny and public judgment over his past performance. He questioned whether the former president remains eligible after being sworn in twice and warned that Nigerians still remember the “dismal economic record” of his administration.
“From the beginning of my tenure till today, I have consistently spoken about true federalism. We cannot afford to have Bayelsa, which produces the oil and gas for Nigeria, with only eight local government areas, while some states have 40 or 44. It is injustice.”
As part of my itinerary, I will also on Thursday be delivering a keynote address at the High Level Roundtable on the Gulf of Guinea. This is an event that is significant to Bayelsa State’s growth and economic advancement as our state, which borders the Atlantic Ocean on three flanks, makes deliberate inroad into tapping the enormous resources in our maritime domain.
In line with the reforms we introduced when we came into office in 2020 and under the able supervision of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, we have birthed a new and working Local Government system in Bayelsa State where LGA Chairmen not only promptly pay monthly salaries but save enough funds to embark on capital projects.
“We say to the political leaders and people of Rivers State, who were the true victims of the dark days, that light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come”
The insightful conversations and submissions from the wide range of participants offered lessons and pathways toward building peaceful, just, and democratic nations.
“I was honored to join esteemed colleagues at the 2025 Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, at the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama.”
