Says “The President Is Supporting Me”
Despite speculations that the odds may not favour him to run on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party in the forthcoming Governorship elections in Bayelsa State, Governor Timipre Sylva flagged off his second term campaign in Yenogoa on Saturday.
At the well attended ceremony different groups came to pledge their solidarity to the Governor. The youths, non-indigenes, market women and retired militants all spoke gave their reasons for supporting the Governor.
The ceremony had top Bayelsa PDP members including members of the National Assembly in attendance. Professor Okoko, the President of the Ijaw National Council claimed not to be the member of any political party; he however said he is supporting Governor Sylva because of the achievements recorded by his administration.
The representative of the former militants in Bayelsa State said “our coming out of the creeks was masterminded by this hero, Chief Timipre Sylva. We are therefore throwing our support behind him. I am also saying that those in Abuja should consult very well on issues that concern Bayelsa State. Let them consult people on ground. Bayelsans should not listen to what is being said on radio, television and what they see on billboards. Bayelsans should vote the known rather than the unknown”.
While speaking on behalf of the Bayelsa State representatives in the National Assembly, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri of Bayelsa West district said “some months ago, the Governor led our campaigns and we won, out of the 8 representatives you voted to represent you at the National Assembly, 7 are with Timipre Sylva. The Governor led the campaign and we won 100% at all levels including the Presidential elections. Now we are going to reciprocate that.”
When it was the Governor’s turn to address the gathering, he said “We have brought a new lease of life to Bayelsa State. That is why we can come to you for a second term. It is only the people of Bayelsa that can decide who rules Bayelsa State. That is why I have brought my case to you.
Some people said they are coming from Abuja but we all know that the people elected to represent us in Abuja are the President, the Senators and the members of the House of Representatives. The President is supporting me, all the senators are supporting me and all the members of the House of Representatives, except one are supporting me. All the 24 members that you elected into the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, all Local Government Chairmen and the 105 councillors are supporting me.
One with God is majority, if you are on the Lord’s side you will win.”
The Governor also dispelled rumours that he had not been cleared by the PDP to contest. He brought out a certificate which he showed to the crowd and said “this is my clearance certificate”.
The primary elections to determine who gets the ticket have been slated for November 19 and it promises to be a keen contest.
Loading ...
Reader’s Comment