Ex-minister joins Bayelsa governorship race

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the immediate past Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, has declared his intention to contest for the November 16 governorship election in Bayelsa State on the platform of All Progressives Congress.
Lokpobiri made his intention known on Saturday after consultation with the state leadership of the APC at the party’s Secretariat in Yenagoa.
Lokpobiri told the party leadership that he was ready to lead APC to the “Creek Haven”, Bayelsa State seat of power, so that he can build an economy beyond oil for the state.
He said: “I am here to formally inform my political family about my intention to contest the governorship of Bayelsa State on APC platform.
“I have the support base to win the election come November 16, 2019.
“My plea to the leadership of our party is to ensure that the party remains united in order to form a formidable front to win this election.
“If party members work together, we will surely win the governorship election, come November.
“I am coming to give direction to Bayelsa State, develop the state and build the economy beyond oil.”
The Chairman of APC in Bayelsa State, Jothan Amos, said the primaries to choose the governorship candidate would be free and fair.
Amos urged all aspirants to carry out their consultations peacefully, without any form of violence.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Lokpobiri was a two-term senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria before his appointment as a minister.