Nembe Community In Port Harcourt Endorses Tekenah As Sole Candidate For Bayelsa East Senate Seat
The Nembe community in Port Harcourt has endorsed the candidacy of Dau Kenny Tekenah, the standard-bearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Bayelsa East Senatorial District, describing him as the preferred candidate to represent the district in the Senate.
The endorsement was made during an engagement with constituents and supporters, where Tekenah reiterated his commitment to grassroots development, education, healthcare and economic empowerment across Ogbia, Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas.
Speaking during the gathering, Tekenah said his relationship with the people of Bayelsa East predates his political ambition, stressing that he had quietly supported individuals and communities without seeking publicity for his interventions.
He disclosed that he had personally assisted several children with the payment of school fees in Okoma and had undertaken other forms of support for people in the community.
“I have been supporting and paying school fees for children in Okoma. I don't want to mention names. They know themselves. I've paid school fees; I can't count them. I've never made noise about it,” he said.
Tekenah also distinguished himself from conventional politicians, saying his approach to public service would be based on credibility, measurable commitments and delivering on promises.
“I am not a regular politician. I will not promise what I cannot do. Whatever I tell you here today, take it to the bank, I will do it,” he stated.
Healthcare Initiative
As part of his immediate intervention plans, the NDC candidate announced a proposed free healthcare scheme targeting residents across the three local government areas that make up Bayelsa East.
According to him, 200 beneficiaries will be provided with free healthcare support in each local government area, bringing the initial target to 600 beneficiaries.
He said women would constitute 50 per cent of the beneficiaries, while men would account for 40 per cent, with the remaining allocation expected to cover other categories under the programme.
Tekenah said the scheme was expected to be launched before the end of September, alongside other initiatives currently in the pipeline.
Education Takes Centre Stage
Education, he said, would be another major pillar of his representation if elected to the Senate.
Tekenah pledged to support the payment of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) fees for children from Nembe, stressing that no child should be denied educational opportunities because of financial difficulties.
He also announced plans to adopt a school in Okoma and personally fund its development, including improvements to its facilities.
Beyond his personal intervention, Tekenah said he would leverage his relationships within the corporate sector to attract private-sector support for schools across Bayelsa East.
He said he intended to approach insurance companies, financial institutions and other corporate organisations to adopt schools and assist with upgrading their facilities, including the provision of laptops and other educational resources.
According to him, the initiative would complement government efforts and create stronger partnerships between the private sector and communities.
Empowerment, Education and Healthcare
Tekenah said his broader senatorial agenda would focus substantially on empowerment, education and healthcare, which he described as critical areas for improving the wellbeing and economic prospects of residents.
His previously stated policy agenda also includes youth and women empowerment, support for small businesses, digital transformation, technology hubs, infrastructure development and legislative advocacy on challenges such as coastal erosion, flooding and inadequate road infrastructure across the riverine communities.
The senatorial candidate further called for unity among the people of Bayelsa East, urging constituents to support what he described as the turn of Brass in the political arrangement within the district.
He appealed to residents to vote based on competence, capacity and the ability to deliver, rather than merely on political titles.
Tekenah maintained that effective representation requires a clear understanding of legislative processes and the ability to navigate government institutions to attract meaningful development to the constituency.
He urged voters to support the NDC at the polls, saying the people should “follow who knows the road” to ensure that their expectations are translated into tangible results.
The endorsement by the Nembe community in Port Harcourt adds to Tekenah's growing campaign engagements as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With his campaign increasingly centred on grassroots consultation and direct engagement with constituents, Tekenah is presenting himself as a candidate seeking to combine his private-sector experience with community development and purposeful legislative representation for Bayelsa East Senatorial District.
