Cleopas steps in as Bayelsa new PDP chairman

Ahead of the forthcoming congresses scheduled to take place between April 23 and May 21, the Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State on Wednesday ratified the elevation of Moses Cleopas to the position of acting chairman,
Cleopas took over from Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff, who has since been appointed as the Secretary to the State Government.
The ratification was made following a motion moved by Prof. Steve Azaiki and seconded by the member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi, in conformity with the party’s constitution.
The member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Douye Diri, declared a voice vote adopting the position of Cleopas.
Speaking shortly after the ceremony at the party’s secretariat in Yenagoa, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson called on members to conduct a hitch-free congress in the state, stressing that all elections were expected to be competitive.
Dickson charged members of the party to consult widely and build consensus from the ward to state level, with a view to selecting credible, competent and loyal people to lead the party at various levels.
According to him, members of the party should draw lessons from the last governorship election and strive to guard against disloyalty and any activity capable of jeopardizing the party’s fortunes in the state.
Dickson, who reminded leaders of the PDP and the Ijaw nation of the burial of a former Governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, urged them to participate fully in the four-day burial programme as a mark of respect for his contributions to the development of the PDP and the state.
In his response, Cleopas expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, promising to serve and work for the party’s interest.
Also, a member of the Bayelsa State PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Remi Kuku, moved a motion that the State Working Committee of the PDP should be authorized to facilitate the process of the congresses in the state, which was seconded by the Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Foster Ogola.