The lawmaker representing Bayelsa Central in the National Assembly, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, has expressed concern at the defection of some Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) chieftains to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Paulker spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, following his screening by PDP Southsouth Governorship Election Committee.
Governor Seriake Dickson, who is seeking re-election, was also screened by the committee.
Paulker noted that the PDP lost most of its heavyweights to the opposition.
But the senator expressed confidence that the PDP would win the December 5 governorship poll.
He said: “I am disturbed about the defection and more worried about the calibre of persons that defected. I am even more worried that their defection came a few months to the governorship election.
“However, one thing sure is that Bayelsa is a PDP state. We will put our acts together. The PDP will still win the election.”
Dickson confirmed the withdrawal of Reuben Okoya from the governorship race.
The governor said the news of his withdrawal came to him (Dickson) on his way for the screening in Port Harcourt.
He described Okoya’s decision as a sign of good omen for the PDP.
Dickson hailed Okoya for his decision, adding that he would woo him and his supporters into his team to build the state and the party.
He said: “I have just been screened; I will get the result later today. In PDP, we allow the system to function. The screening panel is independent; it will take a decision and then communicate same to the aspirants, including myself.
“I use this medium to communicate my appreciation to my brother, Rueben Okoya, for showing that building the party and the state with service to the people is more important than personal ambition. In the end, what should matter to everybody is the party’s victory and how Bayelsa and Ijaw nation can continue to be for the PDP, to define their pride and integrity.
“I appreciate Okoya for his spirit of statesmanship. I will personally invite him to join my team to build the party and the state.”
Paulker hoped the screening committee would be fair to the aspirants.
He promised to consolidate on the achievements of the governor, if he wins at the governorship poll.