Tokoni Peter Igoin, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on ICT and Digital Innovation, has made a bold move in Bayelsa State politics. He recently visited Udengs Eradiri, the former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, at his country home in Azikoro Village, Yenagoa, with a heartfelt plea: join the All Progressives Congress (APC) ¹.
Igoin's appeal was not just a casual suggestion but a genuine plea, emphasizing the President's capacity to turnaround the country's fortunes. He highlighted Tinubu's bold reforms in ICT, which are yielding positive results and easing economic pains ¹. The Special Adviser also stressed that President Tinubu values youth development and collaborates with intelligent and capable individuals like Eradiri.
Eradiri, a Fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in various roles, including Secretary-General of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) and Commissioner for Environment. Igoin acknowledged Eradiri's capacity and urged him to join forces with the APC to support President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda ¹.
In response, Eradiri commended Tinubu for appointing Igoin, a Bayelsan, to a key position despite the dominance of the West in the ICT sector. He praised Tinubu's leadership qualities, dating back to the NADECO days, and acknowledged the positive impact of his reforms ¹. However, Eradiri noted that Tinubu's efforts are hindered by selfish politicians surrounding him.
The meeting concluded with Eradiri pledging to work with Igoin to achieve the mandate of his office. Although he didn't immediately commit to joining the APC, he expressed openness to considering the request ¹.
*Key Takeaways:*
- _Igoin's Plea_: Tokoni Peter Igoin's appeal to Udengs Eradiri highlights the APC's desire to attract capable leaders like Eradiri.
- _Tinubu's Vision_: President Tinubu's reforms in ICT and youth development are key aspects of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
- _Eradiri's Response_: Eradiri commended Tinubu's leadership qualities but expressed concerns about the influence of selfish politicians.
As the political landscape in Bayelsa State continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Eradiri will join the APC. One thing is certain, however: Igoin's plea has sparked a significant conversation about the potential for collaboration between the APC and capable leaders like Eradiri.
