Bayelsa Governorship Primary Election Latest: Timipre Sylva Dares PDP, Launches Campaign

Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, yesterday, dared the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, when he declared that he will launch his campaign on the party’s platform on Wednesday despite the fact that he has been restrained from participating in the gubernatorial primaries last week.

Rep. Serikae Dickson had emerged as winner of the primary on November 19. Sources in the party told newsmen in Bayelsa that the Governor’s threat to launch a rival gubernatorial campaign could instigate disciplinary measures that could result in his expulsion from the party.


A source said: “Seriake Dickson is the flag bearer of our great party having emerged victorious at the party primaries held on November 19. Any attempt by the governor to go ahead with his campaign under the platform of the PDP will amount to affront and the party may have wield the big stick which earn him suspension and expulsion.”

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, however, pledged not to be dragged into a battle of words with Governor Timipre Sylva over his decision to kick-start a gubernatorial campaign on its platform. The party’s national publicity secretary, Prof. Rufai Alkali, said the party was for now immersed in celebrations arising from its victory in the gubernatorial re-run election in Kogi State and would speak on the Governor wherever he carries out his threat.

Speaking on the issue, yesterday, Alkali said the party will speak on Bayelsa and the events unfolding there when the time comes. He said: “You know today (Sunday) is a day of celebration for us as a family, we are celebrating our victory in Kogi State. We don’t want to discuss other issues now. We will speak on Bayelsa when the need arises and at the appropriate time.”

Already, some loyalists of Governor Timipre Sylva led by his former Special Adviser on Political Matter, Chief George Fente, have commenced meetings and mobilization for a public declaration of the intent of the Bayelsa Governor to contest based on his self-acclaimed qualification with the alleged faulty processes embarked upon by the party in the conduct of ward congresses and governorship primary in the state.

Fente, according to PPD sources, has opened the former campaign office designated for the 2011 Presidential Poll of President Goodluck Jonathan/Namadi Sambo for the realization of the dream of Governor Timipre Sylva.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, CPS, Mr. Doifie Ola confirmed the rumour that the governor is determined to actualise his ambition under the platform of the PDP. Ola said the Bayelsa Governor was set to open his campaign office on Wednesday and assure the people of the state of the commitment of the present administration for growth and peace.

The  statement entitled “A time for Re-birth”, quoted Governor Sylva as saying that though the state was undergoing an unusual political time, it was definitely a time defined by a contest between progressive forces of due process and reactionary forces of impunity. The statement said: “We have faced severe challenges. Attempts have  been made to railroad us onto the path of lawlessness. But we have continued determinedly on the course of democracy, justice, law and order.

Despite the recent distractions, I hereby reaffirm that along with my dependable Deputy, Hon. Werinipre Seibarogu, we remain committed to contesting and winning the February 2012 governorship election in Bayelsa State. We do so on the platform of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. And we do so because we have no doubt that at the end of the day, truth will prevail.”

Governor Sylva, highlighted few of his achievements and declared that with “a rewarding partnership in people-oriented programming and innovative statecraft today, it is safe to say we have done well. The steps we have taken to stabilize power supply, our modern health infrastructure, housing programme, agricultural development drive, and massive road construction works, as well as the relative peace and stability in the state and our human capital development initiatives are monuments in the confirmation of that testimony. That is why we seek your support to complete the goals we set for ourselves in education, infrastructure, health, peace and security, energy”

He, however, claimed that with the support of the likes of President Goodluck Jonathan and other National Assembly members, including the State legislators, local government chairmen, party and state legislators, and party leaders nationwide, “we will overcome the machination of the few and their futile resolve to manacle the spirit of the progressive forces in Bayelsa State.”

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