Bayelsa 2027: Nembe Is Ready to Lead, Says Engr. Francis Biobarakuma
Yenagoa – As discussions around the 2027 governorship election in Bayelsa State intensify, a strong voice has emerged from Nembe Local Government Area (LGA). Engr. Francis Biobarakuma, a former candidate for the Bayelsa State House of Assembly (Nembe Constituency 3), has declared that Nembe is not only capable of producing the next governor but also united enough to rally behind a common cause.
In a powerful statement, Biobarakuma dismissed claims that Nembe lacks unity or competent leaders, calling such narratives “unfair and far from the truth.” He argued that Nembe’s history and track record of leadership across politics, business, academia, law, and the military prove otherwise.
Biobarakuma highlighted a long list of distinguished leaders from Nembe who have served Bayelsa, Nigeria, and the international community with excellence.
Among those he listed are:
-
Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd.) – Former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, respected naval officer, and governance expert.
-
Sen. Nimi Barigha-Amange – Former Senator, petroleum expert, and energy policy leader.
-
Hon. Jonathan Robinson Obuebite – Former Chief Whip of the State Assembly and Commissioner.
-
Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo – Commissioner for Environment, with notable achievements in environmental protection.
-
Hon. Ben George Odon – PDP stalwart and grassroots mobiliser.
-
Hon. David Alagoa – Chairman of Nembe LGA, known for developmental and financial accountability.
-
Barr. Ayobegha James – Political leader and community mobiliser.
-
Barr. Clement Amunaboye – Businessman and civic leader.
-
Dr. Silva Opuala-Charles – Former Commissioner for Finance, economist and technocrat.
-
Biriyai Dambo, SAN – Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, respected legal mind.
-
Hon. Marlin Daniel – Founding leader in Bayelsa APC.
-
Sen. Biobarakuma Degi – Former Senator representing Bayelsa East.
Biobarakuma stressed that “If this is not a catalogue of competence, what then is? Nembe is not lacking in capacity, we are rich in human capital.”
Addressing concerns of disunity, the former Assembly candidate insisted that Nembe people have always rallied together when the stakes are high.
“Unity is not the absence of differences, unity is the ability to set aside differences for the greater good,” he said. “As 2027 approaches, Nembe must unite not for personal ambition, but for the right of our Local Government to lead Bayelsa, just as others before us have done.”
Biobarakuma also drew attention to the principle of equity in Bayelsa’s leadership rotation, stressing that Nembe LGA deserves its turn.
“Bayelsa has rotated leadership across various LGAs and districts. Nembe, as a proud and historic contributor to the state’s oil wealth, maritime economy, and cultural identity, must also be given the opportunity,” he noted.
Also Read: Why Jonathan Should Contest the 2027 Presidential Election — Engr. Francis Biobarakuma
Engr. Francis Biobarakuma concluded with a rallying call:
“To my brothers and sisters, let us stop echoing narratives that weaken our chances. Nembe has the men, Nembe has the capacity, and Nembe can forge the unity required. The governorship of Bayelsa is not beyond Nembe. It is Nembe’s turn, and Nembe is ready.”
See STATEMENT
