By Emem Idio

Ahead of the ward congresses of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State, a party chieftain in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Joseph Maciver, has raised concerns over an alleged plot to hijack and manipulate the process.

Maciver, popularly known as “Mayor 1” of the Niger Delta, called on Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to review complaints arising from stakeholders’ meetings across the state.

In a statement yesterday, he alleged that confusion in some areas, particularly Ward 4 in Southern Ijaw LGA, was linked to the political ambitions of individuals appointed into committees to oversee the ward and local government congresses.

According to him, some committee members allegedly have personal political interests that could influence the conduct and outcome of the congresses.

“Prior to the appointment of the committee members by Governor Diri, some APC members, especially longstanding members, had been calling for stakeholders’ meetings ahead of the congresses, but their requests were not honoured,” he stated.

He further claimed that in some local government areas, stakeholders’ meetings were not held, leading to complaints and allegations of manipulation.

Maciver urged the governor to ensure fairness and transparency in the process, warning that perceived irregularities could undermine unity within the party in the state.

He said if the governor intends to strengthen cohesion within the party, careful consideration should be given to those appointed into strategic committees.

Last week, Governor Diri, while inaugurating local government committees to oversee the congresses, advised party members to set aside personal ambitions and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.