Turnah Promises N20m Palace Project, Criticises Bayelsa Government at PDP Rally in Elebele
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, George Turnah, has assured residents of Elebele Community in Ogbia Local Government Area that the party remains committed to rewarding the community’s loyalty with more development, announcing an immediate ₦20 million project for the construction of a befitting palace for the traditional ruler.
Turnah made the declaration while receiving Gabriel Claudia, popularly known as the “1 Million Man,” and his supporters into the PDP during a political gathering in Elebele.
Addressing party faithful, Turnah described Bayelsa as the traditional stronghold of the PDP, declaring that the large turnout at the event confirmed the community’s continued support for the party.
“Bayelsa is PDP and PDP is Bayelsa. We are here to receive Gabriel Claudia and his supporters into our great party. It is confirmed that Elebele is for PDP,” he said.
He commended party members in the ward for their loyalty and assured them that the PDP would continue to prioritize the interests of the community.
Reflecting on Elebele’s political history, Turnah said the community had long played an active role in politics but had previously been overlooked in terms of leadership appointments until the PDP administration began offering key opportunities.
According to him, the party facilitated the emergence of Elebele’s first political appointee, produced a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly who later served as Chief Whip, and appointed several indigenes into government positions, including media aides.
Turnah disclosed that after paying a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Elebele, he was surprised to discover that the kingdom lacked a befitting palace despite its political contributions to the state.
He announced that the PDP leadership had resolved to immediately fund the construction of a new royal palace at the cost of ₦20 million, stressing that the project would commence without waiting for the election period.
“We are not going to wait until after the election. What we saw is not befitting for Elebele, so we will commence the palace project immediately,” he stated.
The PDP chairman noted that the visit was not a campaign event, explaining that the party would return during the official campaign period to unveil its comprehensive development plans for the community.
He, however, assured residents that the PDP would provide better governance than previous administrations and address issues affecting the people.
Turnah also criticised the administration of Governor Douye Diri, alleging that despite significant public revenue, poverty and unemployment remained widespread in Bayelsa State.
He cited the state’s position on the poverty index, claiming it reflected the need for a change in leadership, and challenged the government to publish the names of beneficiaries of its youth and women development programmes.
“I challenge the government to publish the name of one woman in Elebele that they have developed in six years,” he said.
He concluded by assuring party supporters that the PDP would introduce policies aimed at improving prosperity, reducing poverty, and creating opportunities for the people of Bayelsa, promising to unveil the party’s agenda during the official campaign season.
