Bayelsa PDP Candidate Announces Plan to Create Trust Fund for Senatorial District

Richard Akinaka, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, spent the weekend meeting with key stakeholders and elders in the district.

The meetings were part of his effort to secure blessings and support for his plans to advance the district.

Akinaka said he intends to introduce legislation that will strengthen institutions in the Niger Delta and tackle pressing issues faced by residents, including the creation of a trust fund operated as a limited‑liability company to manage constituency projects.

During his consultative visit he spoke with prominent district elders such as PANDEF President Ambassador Godknows Igali and Chief Abel Ebifebowei, stressing the need for effective representation and purposeful leadership.

He criticized the current situation, noting that the people’s voices are not being heard and that representation has failed to deliver tangible benefits.

Coming from modest beginnings with community support, Akinaka described himself as a reflection of the people’s aspirations. He emphasized the importance of legislative duties, pledging to draw on his deep understanding of the challenges faced by his constituents, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole.

He said: “My legislative contributions will stem from my knowledge of the needs of my constituency, the underserved people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians at large. I am conscious of introducing bills that will, among other things, strengthen institutions in the Niger Delta region and address the very troubling situations bedeviling our people.”

“The trust would be in the form of a limited liability company that will have elders like you sitting on the board. Richard Akinaka will not bring a company anywhere to do such jobs. That trust that we have our people representing us will do the jobs and will ensure that the jobs are done. Whatever profit that comes out of those things will form a common purse and will highlight areas of immediate need and concern, especially education.”

Akinaka also outlined plans for economic empowerment, including support for fishing communities, collaboration with federal agencies, and creation of job opportunities to curb youth restiveness.

In response, PANDEF President Igali praised Akinaka’s leadership and commitment to human development. He expressed confidence in Akinaka’s ability to represent the people effectively in the Senate and urged him to advocate boldly for the Niger Delta region.

“From what I’ve known, you have been focused on human development, focused on results, focused on impact on community. Nobody can take that from you,” Igali said.

The PANDEF Chairman reiterated his strong confidence in Akinaka’s capacity to represent his people in the Senate, urging him to speak up boldly for the Niger Delta, a region that contributes immensely to the nation’s wealth yet remains plagued by underdevelopment and poverty.