The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on ICT and Digital Innovation, Tokoni Peter Igoin, has extended an invitation to the former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The appeal came shortly after Eradiri announced his withdrawal from the Labour Party, citing his intention to find a political platform that would better enable him to serve the people and advance Bayelsa State’s development.
In a meeting held with Eradiri, Igoin, accompanied by his aides and youths from his Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area, emphasized the transformative capacity of President Tinubu’s leadership.
Highlighting Tinubu’s reforms and their positive economic impact, Igoin described the President as a leader committed to youth empowerment and national progress.
“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,” Igoin stated.
In his response, Eradiri commended President Tinubu for his inclusive leadership style, particularly his appointment of Tokoni Igoin to a prominent role in the ICT sector.
The appointment, according to Eradiri, signifies Tinubu’s willingness to recognize and work with talented individuals irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
He reflected on Tinubu’s leadership from his NADECO days, praising his resilience and bold reforms since assuming office.
“Gradually, we are beginning to see the positive impact of his reforms. We will do our best to give you support,” Eradiri said.
Eradiri also called on Niger Delta governors to support presidential aides from the region, regardless of political affiliations, to ensure they succeed in their roles and pave the way for others from the area.
He praised Igoin’s appointment as a significant milestone for Bayelsa and the Niger Delta, given the dominance of the ICT sector in the southwestern region of Nigeria.
“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. Do your job and bring in competent people who can assist you,” Eradiri advised.
While Eradiri pledged to work with Igoin to achieve his mandate, he noted that he was still consulting on his next political move.
However, he indicated he would give serious consideration to the invitation to join the APC, given the assurances of collaboration and support.