Bayelsa Gubernatorial Race: Coalition mounts pressure on Sylva

A coalition of under the aegis of Niger Delta People’s Movement (NDPM) has urged the people of Bayelsa State to base their choice of the next governor of the state on the core attributes of competence, integrity, courage, initiative and focus.

In a meeting held on Friday in Yenagoa to discuss the political future of the state and to assess the physical, social and institutional infrastructural provisions in the state, the group vowed to put stop to square pegs in round holes in leadership positions in the state.

The group also extolled the uncommon virtues of Chief Timipre Sylva, describing him as pragmatic and winsome.

“Sylva is suitable for the governorship job. He has devoted his life to humanitarian and philanthropic services. He has provided employment opportunities for the people, especially the youths. He has been one of the most supportive and committed leaders of the APC in the country”.

Spokesperson of the movement, Mrs. Ibifuro Thompson Tatua said Sylva would galvanize the people to self-development, energize the economy and also raise the standard of living of the people through adequate inter-village communication such as good road network, electricity, pipe-borne water, recreational facilities, etc.

The groups also said Sylva would stimulate rural industries and show the necessary leadership by matching words with action through evolving workable development approaches, proper co-ordination and funding.

“Sylva has strategies to banish unemployment and insecurity. His government will bring about sustainable development and progress” the group said.

Over 1,000 members from Brass, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Nembe, Ogbia, Sagbama, Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa councils stormed the venue in representative capacity.

Meanwhile, notable personalities in Bayelsa State, including leaders of ethnic and youth groups, political parties, former council chairmen and past political appointees on Friday looked at those who have announced, directly or by implication, their intention to contest the Saturday, December 5, 2015 governorship election, and those whose names have been put forward, with or without their public
confirmation, as prospective candidates for the state’s number one seat, describing the former governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva  as ‘the best person for the job”.

“Chief Timipre Sylva stands out of the pack of pretenders, traders and contenders. He is a consummate politician, proven administrator, a bridge builder, dogged fighter, grassroots mobiliser and crowd puller”.” the leaders said.

At a meeting in Yenagoa, the leaders urged the people of the state to embrace politics anchored on qualities like credibility, competence and ability to perform and deliver the dividend of democracy to the people.

“Bayelsa State needs a well-focused manager who has the interest of the state at heart; someone who is administratively skillful; someone who will deliver. Timipre Sylva possesses the ability, courage,
sincerity and guiding philosophy to provide the right leadership for the betterment of the people. He is a stickler for hard work and excellence”.

In a statement issued in Yenagoa by the spokesperson of Bayelsa Political Congress (BPC), Comrade Nicholas Benjamin, the leaders said “We are solidly behind Sylva. We shall mobilize our people and give him an overwhelming electoral support.

Bayelsans, they further charged, should ensure that Sylva becomes the next governor of the state.

“If the succession is about lifting the state and the people to the greatest heights, then Bayelsans have the answer in Sylva. He has the requisite appeal and political structure to clinch the governorship
ticket of the APC. He has vision, moral fortitude, zeal, leadership, commitment and love for all” the statement said.

They advised the people to rally round Sylva for a better Bayelsa State “This is another opportunity to redefine and redesign our future in a direction that would strengthen the bond of unity, foster the spirit of oneness, enhance development and promote good governance” he added.

By Njamanze Fidel