As part of the engagements, Akinaka and his team paid a courtesy visit to HRM King Joshua Igbugburu X, the Ibenanawei of Bomo Clan
By Sam Ovie
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Published on July 20, 2026
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3 min read
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Akinaka Richard, has intensified stakeholder consultations over the weekend with key leaders and opinion moulders across the three local government areas of the constituency, reaffirming his commitment to providing purposeful, people-centred representation.
As part of the engagements, Akinaka and his team paid a courtesy visit to HRM King Joshua Igbugburu X, the Ibenanawei of Bomo Clan, where he sought the monarch’s blessings and exchanged views on the development needs of the senatorial district. Their discussions focused on governance, community development and the welfare of the people.
Speaking during the consultations, Akinaka reflected on his upbringing, describing education and parental discipline as the foundations that shaped his life and kept him away from the cycle of violence that once affected many communities in the Niger Delta.
Recalling his childhood, he said his father remained firm whenever he strayed.
“My father would always tell me, ‘This isn’t your path.’ If I misbehaved, he would lock me inside the house. At that time I didn’t understand, but later I realised it was out of love and a desire to secure my future,” he stated.
He said those experiences continue to influence his approach to leadership and public service.
“Leadership does not begin when you occupy a high office. It begins wherever you find yourself. Taking responsibility and making a positive difference is what defines a leader,” he added.
Akinaka said leadership is measured by service rather than position, noting that he has consistently supported people within his immediate environment long before seeking elective office.
He said Bayelsa Central deserves responsive and effective representation that prioritises the needs of constituents, attracts development and ensures that the district benefits from federal opportunities.
According to him, effective representation extends beyond sponsoring legislation to include attracting federal projects, engaging relevant government agencies and ensuring that constituents benefit from national programmes.
He said his decision to contest the Senate seat was driven by a desire to address years of underdevelopment and provide responsive leadership.
According to him, “If everyone chooses to look after only themselves, then society will be in trouble. Public service is about improving the lives of others.”
Also, Akinaka and members of his campaign team paid a condolence visit to Joseph MacIver, elder brother of Great Joshua MacIver, the former deputy governorship candidate, following the death of their matriarch, who passed away at the age of 84.
During the visit, Akinaka sympathised with the MacIver family, prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and urged the family to take solace in the legacy of a life well lived.
As part of the consultations, Akinaka and his team also met with about eight critical stakeholders and community leaders across the three local government areas of Bayelsa Central Senatorial District to seek their support, exchange ideas and discuss issues affecting the constituency.
Akinaka, a grassroots politician, said he has a deep understanding of the challenges confronting Bayelsa Central, including inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, youth empowerment and the need for accountable representation.
His latest engagements form part of his broader grassroots campaign strategy aimed at strengthening relationships with traditional institutions, political stakeholders and residents as he seeks the mandate to represent Bayelsa Central Senatorial District in the Senate.
