I want to thank everyone of you who have worked
tirelessly to enthrone and make this a reality. My mandate is a
further call to service, and in this, I will not disappoint you,
as my commitment and resolve in changing the development
trajectory are unwavering.
It is to this end that I have developed a clear road map towards
actualizing the noble dreams of our fathers who fought for its
creation. PEAP's agenda is clearly and absolutely a
people-oriented approach to sustained and progressive leadership
that will surmount the age-old barriers in our collective drive
to fix our state. As we begin the great match to winning the
elections, we must approach these elections the same way we
approached the presidential election, but this time with added
vigor and more sacrifice.
This is because, more than ever before, our state is in dire
need of functional leadership—one that will set a clear agenda,
prioritize our people as the center of every decision, and
practice very transparent and judicious management of our scarce
resources.
As you all know, the volume of resources that have been released
from the federation account from last year to date alone is over
one hundred and fifty billion. This is aside from the monthly
allocation, which has been around the average of 10 billion
monthly.
Indeed, you will all attest to the fact that the projects on the
ground are not near or commensurate with the above amount. As
you will see soon, our agenda is one that will tap the resources
and trades in which we have a comparative advantage.
As a state, we are blessed with many mineral resources as well
as other natural products. Our water belt is fish rich, and when
taken into consideration with targeted strategic policy
decisions, we should be self-sufficient not only in fisheries
but also use the same avenue to increase our internally
generated revenue (IGR).
What has the present leadership done with our palm estate? What
has the state done with our cassava plant? What has the
leadership done to utilize our many tourist potentials?
What has the PDP-led government done with Atala Field? What has
the state done to our rice potential? What has the state done
with our unimaginable gas reserve? What has the present
leadership done with the over N300 billion received from the
federation account?
Your guess is as good as mine. The above-mentioned are many of
the areas in which our leadership, under the PEAP agenda, will
take full advantage and work with the people to create wealth,
employment, and opportunities to change lives.
Let me conclude by again thanking all members of our dear party
for the understanding and the resilience with which you all have
joined to midwife this critical process to a peaceful and united
end.
Our victory has truly begun, and on November 11th, 2023, we will
form the next government for the common and greater people of
Bayelsa State. I thank you all most sincerely for the
opportunity to serve and for your patience in listening to me.
Adou
Alua
Onua
-Eng Udengs Eradiri
Labour Party Governorship flagbearer
Bayelsa state.
