Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson on Thursday expressed
optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would win overwhelmingly
in Southern Ijaw LGA anytime the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) fixes the date to conduct the re-scheduled election.
Governor Dickson who stated this at a PDP stakeholders meeting in
Yenagoa, described the area as the strongest fortress of the party being
the home of the Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation, late Chief Diepreye
Alamieyeseigha.
Besides, the PDP boasts of other staunch foundational members of the
party which include the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei
Benson, Chief of Staff Government House, Rt. Hon. Talford Ongolo and
Chief Patrick Osunu in addition to the fact that the area witnessed the
least defection in the build up to the December 5th Governorship
election.
Describing the election that took place on Sunday as a charade, Governor
Dickson wondered why the main opposition party would claim to have scored
over 80,000 votes in an area where they do not have any strong
followership.
According to him, the opposition connived with the military to undermine
the security of the electorate and INEC staff in order to manipulate the
electoral process knowing fully well that the local government had the
second largest voter strength.
Commending the people of the Southern Ijaw for their courage and
resilience in the face intimidation and harassment during the last
election, the Governor said all what the people desire is for INEC to
provide a level playing ground by strictly adhering to the guidelines of
the electoral act.
Governor Dickson who used the forum to re-constitute the Bayelsa Elders
Council headed by Air Vice Marshal Larry Koinyan (rtd), also appreciated
the various roles played by the caucus chairmen of the PDP that enabled
the party to achieve the success it has recorded so far.
He said Senator Nimi Barigha Amange is the Deputy Chairman, while the
three vice chairmen representing the senatorial districts are, East- King
Amalate Turner, West-Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Central-Chief Patrick
Osunu with Chief Thompson Okorotie to serve as Secretary.
Responding, Chairman of the Elders Council, Air Vice Marshal Larry Koinyan
(rtd) expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him to serve
the people and pledged to collaborate with members of the council towards
repositioning the Ijaw nation.
Also speaking, the state acting PDP chairman, Chief Serena Dokubo Spiff
urged all to remain steadfast as the election was not yet over, but
expressed optimism that PDP would carry the day.
ENDS…