Close aides of Patience Jonathan claim that the decision to support the
re-election of Governor Seriake Dickson was based on the need to resist
the perceived plan by the All Progressive Congress (APC) to defeat Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP in Bayelsa State and disgrace ex-President Goodluck
Jonathan in his home state.
Others close to the PDP claimed that the Dame Patience Jonathan’s decision
to reconcile with Governor Dickson was based on the series of
interventions from some Bayelsa Elders including ex-Governor of Bayelsa
State, Chief D.S.P Alamieyeseigha.
Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan had on Wednesday announced her
decision to reconcile with Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and
directed all her loyalists in to work selflessly for the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) and ensure re-election of the governor in the
December 5 polls.
The latest decision is being interpreted in political circles as major
boost in the second term bid of the Governor and the involvement of the
ex-Aides to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
A close relative to President Goodluck Jonathan and former State
Commissioner for Special Duties (Federal Project), Engr. Mike Ogiasa, who
confirmed processes that led to the reconciliation between Dickson and
Dame Patience Jonathan shed more light on the reconciliation.
He said, “As a close family member, I known her very well. Dame Patience
Jonathan can suppress her anger against someone and do the right thing.
As am talking to you, I believe, as a typical PDP woman, she can never
support another political party against the choice of the PDP.
“In politics, there is unity in diversity. People disagree to agree. It
was not a hidden fact that Governor Dickson was at loggerhead with Dame
Patience Jonathan. But it is also true that, by human nature, she may not
have supported Dickson. But she has weighed it and discovered that the
election is beyond Dickson. And because she is from Bayelsa and Rivers
States, she knows what it took the Rivers man to retain the PDP
leadership.bShe cannot now because of anger allow Bayelsa to be under the
APC.
“Though I don’t know who she is supporting but I know that she can never
vote the APC against the PDP. If anyone emerges above Dickson at the PDP
primaries, she will support the person. And if Dickson emerges as flag
bearer, I am 100 per cent sure she will support him.”
Ogiasa, who is like a foster son to Jonathan, said the silence of the
former President should not be termed to anti-party posture against the
PDP ahead of the forthcoming Governorship primaries and the election.
“I don’t know how to read body language. But I know that it is not only a
body language but a mouth language that the President cannot support
another party against the PDP. If you rely on body language to tell the
thinking of Jonathan, you may misjudge him, But I know there is no way he
would support APC to take over Bayelsa.
“But for who he is supporting in the PDP, we may not know. But the former
President by now should have known the importance and unimportance of
second term. So, Jonathan on his part, would have desired to run for
second term too and complete some projects for the people of the State and
the region. And it may also have dawned on him that it is painful not to
have second tenure.Then, I don’t see him coming out to rubbish another
person who wants second tenure. I don’t think a reasonable man like the
President will say he can not support Dickson.”
Sources in Yenagoa said the former First Lady has directed his followers
and loyalists including the former Special Adviser to Jonathan on Domestic
Matters, Dr. Waripamowei Dudafagh to support Dickson.
Dudafagh was at loggerhead with Dickson over his alleged anti-PDP posture
and sponsorship of some candidates of the All Progressive Grand Alliance
(APGA).