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Tag: Bayelsa State

  • Guber polls: ‘No anointed candidate in Bayelsa yet’

    It is about a month to the September 3 primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State. The general concern, however, is: who is the preferred or anointed aspirant of the state Governor, Seriake Dickson?

    While insisting that his support would only be for a member of his team, the governor said only three people from his caucus have indicated interests to participate in the election.

    The caucus went further to release the names of the people as the Chief of Staff, Government House, Talford Ongolo; the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Kemela Okara and a Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Douyi Diri.

    Subsequent to the barrage of criticisms against the three people, more members of the restoration caucus jumped into the foray and indicated interests to run for the polls.

    Over eight members of the restoration caucus joined the race for the PDP ticket. Apart from the three earlier mentioned, others are the Chairman of the Revenue Board, Dr. Nimibofa Ayawei; the immediate past Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson; a member of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi; Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd) and Robinson Etolor.

    Among members of the caucus that joined the race, the trio suffered unprecedented criticisms from members of the public. Others such as Benson, Jonah and Agbedi, have enjoyed some degrees of acceptance by the PDP members.

    However, Ayawei appears to stand out among all of them. He is gaining momentum, especially on the social media. Ayawei was one of the last people to pick the PDP forms. Hitherto, he was speculated to be the choice of Dickson.

    Ayawei’s late entry to the race seems to have confirmed the speculation. His character may have endeared him to thousands of youths, women, elders and other stakeholders, who urged him to join the governorship race. Ayawei, who served as the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Revenue Board, is known for his loyalty and dedication.

    Though he lost everything at last as he was forced into political oblivion, his loyalty was remembered by Dickson, who brought him to serve in his government.

    The 48-year-old politician has become one of the most popular people among the 21 aspirants that picked the forms of the PDP.

    Undoubtedly, Ayawei, who is a native of Koluama II in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, has also presented himself as popular among the masses. His speech after collecting his forms gave an insight into his personality.

    He said: “I was born about 48 years ago and grew up here in our dear state and witnessed all the difficulties we face growing up as children. We live and come from an environment where our natural endowment cements and keeps our country prosperous. Unfortunately, in the midst of these abundant natural resources, we suffer great penury and diverse environmental challenges.

    “This cause presents the greatest challenge we all face in the 21st Century. My task in this venture is to deal with this very essential element and provide the necessary platform to increase our development on all sectors”.

    On his experience in governance, he said: “At the advent of democracy in 1999, and the eventual creation of the small development areas by His Excellency, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, I had the rare privilege to serve as Chairman of Bassan-Koluama Rural Development Area, a position from which I was promoted to serve and represent the people of Southern Ijaw Constituency IV in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

    “At the inception of the restoration government in 2012, it found me worthy and tasked me with managing essential agencies of government, an opportunity I embraced very seriously.

    “At the moment, it seems good, but we are still in the process of creating a better model to further expand our revenue base until this patriotic call to service.

    “I am aware that the task of governance for a state such as ours is indeed a herculean one. However, given my passion, commitment and your expected support and solidarity, it is my firm belief that together we can steer the ship of this state to a good end and deepen the already established protocols of aggressive developments as currently being done by our leader and Governor, His Excellency H.S. Dickson.

    “In the next couple of days we will begin series of interrogations, debates and critical engagements.

    “This blueprint, above all, will bear the ideals and mandate of all in achieving a people-driven policy document that will be our creed as we begin the task of purposeful home leadership when given the mandate.

    “Today, by this singular act of collecting the intent and nomination form for the Peoples Democratic Party governorship election primaries, we have obeyed the massive clarion call with our spirit, soul and body. I thank you all who have contributed in this decision and those of you who are ready to face the crucibles of this decision and work with our team to achieve glory for the land and its people.”

    But Dickson has insisted that he had no preferred candidate for the primaries of the PDP. Dickson, in a statement by the Special Adviser, Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, called on Bayelsans to discountenance aspirants claiming to have his endorsement.

    The governor said he would commence intensified consultations with aspirants and critical stakeholders at the national and state levels of the PDP following the conclusion of the sale of the gubernatorial nomination forms for the next election.

    Dickson also promised to work closely with the party leadership to ensure the conduct of credible, free and fair primaries in Bayelsa. He said while the aspirants, who picked the party’s nomination forms reserved the right to pursue their ambition, the leadership of the party would watch and monitor the buildup to the primaries. He said he remained committed to his earlier stance that there was no anointed aspirant in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

    He said: “Now that the collection of gubernatorial forms have ended, the leadership of the party in the state wishes to say that there is no anointed aspirant against the practice in those states where outgoing governors endorse one single aspirant.

    “I decided to open the state for people in my government, my team and other members of the party who are willing to indicate their interest.

    “The aspirants who have bought firms have the right to express their ambition but the state leadership of the party should watch keenly.

    “Now that the end of purchase of forms has come, I will intensify consultations both with aspirants, party leaders and other stakeholders.

    “And at the end of the day, I intend to work with the party at the national and state levels to ensure that there is a free and fair election. Those using my name should be disregarded; it is not true, I have not endorsed anybody yet”.

  • Shell donates health care project to Oloibiri community

    Oloibiri community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was shot into limelight in 1958 when the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) when crude oil was discovered in commercial quantity in the community.

    The first oil wells in the country were drilled within the community by Shell.

    About 63 years later, Shell remembered the community. Recently, the oil giant had a thought for the community as it completed and handed over the first phase of multiple health care facilities and programmes to Oloibiri and and its environs. The project was inaugurated by Governor Seriake Dickson in a ceremony attended by stakeholders.

    The integrated project is called the Oloibiri Health Programme (OHP).

    Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company  (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, explained the objectives of the project.

    He said: “OHP aims at achieving three broad objectives of promoting universal health coverage and strengthening health systems within local government area; enhancing social determinant of health which should result in improved health indicators of communities within Ogbia LGA to meet Sustainable Development Goals standards (SDGs) and institutionalising and sharing lessons learnt for replication and county wide scale up through the establishment of a knowledge management centre.”

    Okunbor said the intervention was designed to change the narrative that most of the primary health care facilities in Nigeria lacked the capacity to provide essential service.

    In the first phase, Shell remodeled and equipped the  General Hospital, Kolo; provided a water treatment plant; sent medical laboratory equipment to the College of Health Technology in Otuogidi and the Dental Chair at the Demonstration Clinic Otuogidi.

    Okunbor said the execution of the second phase was ongoing, adding that it would include the Oloibiri Health Campus at Oloibiri town comprising health-for-life Centre and a Knowledge Management and Research centre. He also revealed that there are other components of the second phase.

    The Shell MD said in the third phase, the Ogbia Health Insurance Scheme would be established. “This will be modeled after the very successful pilot insurance scheme catalysed by Cottage Hospital in Port Harcourt” he said.

    He said for the success of the OHP, Shell ,between 2016 and 2018, delivered household health services to nearly 13,000 people in over 3,100 homes across 16 communities in Ogbia.

    “In addition, we have remodelled and equipped the only general hospital in Ogbia LGA, the General Hospital Kolo. It will serve as a referral hub providing 24-hour service with linkages to five health-for-life centers and 13 world health centres.

    “We constructed a 10, 000-liter capacity water treatment plant with water purification system using aeration and filtration and in compliance with World Health Organisation’s recommended threshold for potable water.

    “We have provided a hybrid solar- powered system producing 96 kilowatts per hour (kWh) of electricity daily with an installed battery capacity of 176kWh for power supply. This is in addition to a standby 33KVA power generating set, among others.”

    On why the special health care package was designed for the community and Ogbia, he said: “Oloibiri has a pride of place in the story and history of Nigeria’s oil and gas journey. It was in Oloibiri that Shell made the country’s first commercial quantity discovery of crude oil in 1958.

    “Olobiri remains the reference point for Nigeria’s oil and gas journey.”

    In his remarks, Dickson, who was represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd), described Shell’s intervention as timely and complementary to the government’s policy on the health of citizens of the state.

    He said:  ”Let me appreciate SPDC and its partners for prioritising health care in the state by initiating the Oloibiri Health Programme. This is a laudable development as it will go a long way in complementing the various steps and policies we have already introduced in order to meet the health care demands of our citizens in Ogbia Local Government Area.

    “Sustainability is key and we hope that the OHP having kick-started today shall not only meet its desired purpose but also be sustained over the years in order to continually meet the health challenges of our people.”

  • Bayelsa community invasion: Falana demands troops’ withdrawal, prosecution

    Activist lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has demanded the withdrawal of troops deployed in Azaghene, Ekemor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, for alleged infractions.

    The Army last week deployed troops in the community in search of a soldier said to have gone missing following an attack which left two of his colleagues dead.

    A statement by Falana, in his capacity as Chairman of the Peoples Alternative Forum (PAF), and the group’s Secretary Eze Naagu, called on the Bayelsa State government to institute a judicial commission of enquiry to investigate the allegations of rape, looting, dislodging of residents, including the traditional ruler, Awame Festus Oru, and burning of properties, against the troops.

    He reminded the Army that it had no powers to take laws into its hand, warning that the issue should not be treated with levity as was the case of Odi, Zaki Biam and Gbaramotu communities of Bayelsa, Benue and Delta States.

    The statement reads: “While we condemn the murder of the two soldiers and kidnap of another by unidentified criminals, we urge the Army to withdraw the armed troops that are illegally occupying the community.

    Read Also: Ozekhome, Falana: Shii’te proscription illegal, immoral

    “Since the Army has no power to take the law into its hands, the search for the missing soldier cannot be a justification for chasing away the people of Azaghene after destroying their houses and other valuable properties.

    “Having regards to the facts and circumstances of the unfortunate murder of the soldiers, and the reprisal by the Army, we hereby call on the Bayelsa State government to institute a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the civil disturbances and recommend appropriate monetary compensation for victims of the human rights abuses in Azaghene.

    “Unlike the soldiers who destroyed Odi in Bayelsa, Zaki Biam in Benue and Gbaramotu in Delta, who were treated like sacred cows, the troops who invaded Azaghene last week and unleashed mindless attack on unarmed people should be fished out and prosecuted otherwise the barbaric military invasion of communities in Nigeria will continue under the pretext of searching for missing soldiers.”

    Efforts to get the Army were unsuccessful as the spokesman Col. Sagir Musa ignored messages sent to him.

     

  • Hard times await roadside traders in Bayelsa

    Roadside traders in Bayelsa State, especially in Yenagoa, the state capital, are having tough times with the state’s sector of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

    Despite several risks associated with roadside trading, the practice has continued for a long time. Apart from obstruction of traffic in areas where markets are located, accidents had occurred in such areas claiming lives and causing injuries.

    But the Sector Commander, FRSC, Ikechukwu Igwe, said the practice would no longer be tolerated. He said time to restore sanity had come and insisted that traders must confine themselves with the marked squarmeters.

    Igwe told the traders to leave the roads, especially the highways. He first led sensitisation tours to the market places that expose the traders to the dangers of roadside trading.

    He said the exercise was aimed at educating the traders on all the risk factors, even as he warned them against disobedience to the directives of the corps. He said after the sensitisation, the penalties would follow immediately.

    Igwe said: “There is a penalty for those traders who encroach on the road with their wares. Henceforth, anyone found guilty of roadside trading will be charged for road obstruction.

    Read Also: Bayelsa poll: Dickson not against Alaibe’s ambition

    “Street trading involves perpetual movement that may occur within established market places or around road intersections. It results in several negative impacts on physical environment, especially as traffic congestion.

    “It is a challenge in the state considering the fact that every market day there is always obstructions on the road, especially in one of the communities and one along the East-West Road.

    “We sent our team to restrict the traders from encroaching on the roads. Even though most of our duties are on the highway, we adequately get involved in the cities.

    “Our effort has reduced a lot of crashes on the roads around market places, especially the Zarama Market on the East-West Road.”

    Igwe warned the traders that trading on the road remained an offence despite their claims that they were given a permit by some people.

  • Hoodlums kill two soldiers 

    Soldiers on Tuesday attacked Azagbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

    They were in search of suspected militants, who ambushed and killed two soldiers.

    It was gathered that two soldiers protecting an oil facility belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the community were shot dead by the hoodlums.

    Following intelligence that the killers fled into the community, soldiers invaded Azagbene early in the morning, pulling down and burning structures.

    Sources from the community said the invasion caused commotion and forced residents to seek refuge in the bush.

    The Central Zone of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) (Worldwide) condemned the unwarranted killing of soldiers, but urged the Army to apply caution, to avoid bringing hardship to innocent members of the community.

    Read Also: FG to deploy soldiers to highways

    The Chairman, IYC Central Zone, Kennedy Olorogun, in a statement signed by the zonal spokesman, Korubo Kockman, appealed to the Army to work in synergy with the IYC to fish out the perpetrators.

    Olorogun said: “The zonal leadership of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has condemned in strong terms the killing of two men of the Nigeria Army by gunmen at Azagbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

    “This act is devilish and it has resulted in attack on Azagbene community by the Army, destroying belongings of innocent indigenes.

    “This ugly development has become a great source of worry and concern to the state and Ijaw Youth Council in the zone as the home and Jerusalem of the entire Ijaw Nation.

    “While we condemn the barbaric act, we call on the Army to be civil in her action, mostly in the areas of destruction of life and property of the innocent Azagbene people. The Army should go after the culprits.

    “We urge the Army to work in synergy with them and other security agencies in the state to ensure perpetrators of this violence and heinous acts are brought to justice. We also advise Ijaw youths to shun violence, crimes and vices that will tarnish their reputation.”

    Contacted, spokesman for16th Brigade Maj. Jonah Danjuma said the brigade would soon make its position known on the incident.

  • Bayelsa Guber: A peep at Preye Aganaba’s option

    The All Progressives Congress Party (APC) primary towards the November 16, 2019 governorship election in Bayelsa State has finally been scheduled to hold on August 29, 2019.

    Following the release of the timetable for the governorship election, the political atmosphere in Bayelsa State has become very electric.

    The election is a straight fight between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition APC.

    There is no doubt that the forthcoming governorship election is going to be the mother of all battles between the PDP and APC.

    The PDP is banking on its vantage position as the ruling party with lots of state resources at its disposal. The party prides itself as an Ijaw party – a sentiment that often swung the political pendulum their way in the past because it produced former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    This ego trip was largely deflated by the sterling performance of the APC in the immediate past general election. The party did not only have an impressive outing by securing the largest chunk of vote in the whole of Southsouth for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, it also got three seats at the National Assembly and four at the State House of Assembly. This is a radical departure from the past when it was an all PDP affair.

    The choice before the electorate in Bayelsa is at once a tough and simple one – so long as each of the contending parties knows what to do.

    PDP is already in big trouble with its warped selection process, skewed at the whims and caprices of Governor Seriake Dickson, who has narrowed the choices to his immediate political family, while other formidable candidates have been shut out.

    Read Also: Bayelsa guber: Who will win APC’s ticket?

    The voters are just biding time to ease the party out of power with the APC option. The perceived poor performance of the Dickson-led government is also a strong factor that will work against the PDP.

    Bayelsans generally are fed up with the PDP administration characterised by mismanagement of state resources, arrested development, subjecting civil servants to slave labour by denying them what is due them. Whoever secures the ruling party’s ticket will contend with a growing wave of disenchantment across the state, for the singular reason of introducing poverty as an official policy against the Bayelsa people.

    For the APC, the coast to victory is bright and plausible if it can take advantage of the odds against the PDP. The party must resolve its internal problems and present a candidate that is suitable and acceptable to Bayelsans, transcending party divide. What the electorate are looking forward to is a radical departure from the worn-out, old political war horses. The preferred choice is a young, dynamic and dependable character who has not soiled his hands in treasury looting.

    This is where a frontline contestant like Engr. Prince Preye Aganaba readily comes to fore. Few weeks ago, when he made known his intent to throw his hat into the ring the news of his ambition was received with spontaneous jubilation in the nook and crannies of the state and he was the first to do so.

    Though, former Governor Timipre Sylva who sought re-election in 2015 but lost to Dickson has the right to contest re-election as his intent to do so is very strong in the rumour mill and from his body language.

    It is however, the consensus of vast majority of Bayelsans that it will be a herculean task for APC to win if Sylva is given the party ticket for reasons that are legion.

    On the ex-governor’s ambition, a socio-political group called Network for Change, led by Ebitimi Ambaowei, said: “Former Governor Timipre Sylva and Heneiken Lokpobiri should shelve their ambition to contest. Power is given by God. The tide against them in the state is very strong. Let them remain kingmakers in the party.  This is honest advice which their political associates are hiding from them. Let them listen to the voice of reason. The voice of the masses is the voice of God.

    “But if they refuse and go ahead to contest the primary, the party will lose and history will judge them harshly for placing their personal interest above collective interest. We are begging them to make this sacrifice in the interest of the party.”

    This is a knotty issue but quite central to the APC’s determination to win the election. Those watching the political space closely hold the strong view that the issue of Sylva contesting the election is what will make or mar the political fortunes of the party.

    On the part of Lokpobiri, political pundits believe that his decision to contest the governorship election is an ambition taken too far. It violates the principles of equity in the internal zoning arrangements among the three geo-political senatorial configuration.

    Talking about the Lokpobiri candidacy amounts to preaching political heresy against the sensibilities of the people. His kinsman, Dickson – from same geo-political zone – is already serving out his eight-year tenure. It is not morally justifiable for Dickson to hand over to his brother, Lokpobiri, because Bayelsa is not their political inheritance.

    This is where the Preye Aganaba candidacy becomes not only a viable option but also a child of necessity for the APC to win the governorship election.

    Some analysts further buttress the fact that Aganaba as a candidate from Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA from Bayelsa Central Senatorial District will be a fair deal, in line with the gentlemen agreement of zoning key elective positions in the state.

    If the national leadership of the APC is sincere and fully committed to win the governorship election, it must give a listening ear to the local opinions and aspirations of the people by conceding the governorship ticket to Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA where the legendary Niger Delta agitator, Late Isaac Adaka Boro, comes from. This will also go a long way to appease the area widely regarded as the epicenter of agitations against the marginalisation of the region.

    In broad perspective, the progressives believe that Bayelsa right now needs Aganaba whom they describe as epitome of generational shift, tried, tested and successful entrepreneur, community service-driven politician who cannot betray the mandate the people will entrust in him.

    He is a cerebral, disciplined, youth-friendly, patriotic, God-fearing and accomplished business man. He worked briefly with Kandrate Nigeria Limited, in Port Harcourt, a service contractor to Wilbros Nigeria Limited,   a multi-national company, where he showed his professional competence in electrical engineering.

    In 2006, he took the bold initiative to fulfill his long term dream not to depend on salary paid white collar job, but to generate employment and take several unemployed off the streets. He did this by incorporating a limited liability company known as Freenet Global Resources Limited with head office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The company, which has core investment interest in dredging, marine consultancy, reclamation and shore works as well as sweeping and clearing of oil wells and flows stations across the Niger Delta, has contributed towards reducing activities of militancy in the area as many youths have been engaged meaningfully.

    Moreover, in spite of his cosmopolitan outlook, he cherishes his basics, believing in the aphorism that charity begins at home. He has not only funded and promoted cultural festivals but has also attracted key projects from federal government to enhance the socio-economic lives of his Odi community.

    In 2014, when the merger talk was going on to form the APC, he was part of the process. Along with some comrades, he practically brought the party to Bayelsa. He single handedly donated the first state secretariat of the party. This was not as easy as one could imagine; he was persecuted by the then ruling PDP over what they described as daring a state where former President Jonathan comes from. He regarded the persecution as his baptism of fire over the task ahead of entrenching the APC in the state.

    Aganaba had served the party in different capacities at national level with all sense of loyalty and commitment. In 2004, when the APC primary/convention planning committee was constituted, Aganaba was not only appointed a member of the convention and planning committee but was also secretary of the media and publicity subcommittee. In the same year, he was appointed as one of the facilitators during the visit of the APC National Working Committee team led by the immediate past Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at the United Kingdom House of Commons.

    These are no mean events which have shaped his political horizon and his selfless quest to serve the people of Bayelsa. In addition to that, he is not only a member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, NSE, but is also a corporate member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria, COREN.

    What many APC members in Bayelsa and the state in general are saying loud and clear is: If APC makes the mistake of fielding worn out old political war horses; then the party should consider itself as certified losers. Mr. Inemotimi Mark says: “If they field Preye Aganaba with his moral strength of character, it would be like unveiling a brand new product and a marketable one for that matter. APC should be prepared to coast to victory, that is truly the verdict of Bayelsans as far as the forthcoming governorship election and the chances of APC are concerned.”

    This is why there is this wide spread clarion call on Aganaba ‘like that of Apostle Paul being called to come over to Macedonia to rescue the people of Bayelsa from years of arrested development. He has heeded the call with ecclesiastical spirit of service.

    Today, in Bayelsa it has been widely accepted across party divide that Aganaba is the only viable option for APC to beat the PDP government. The truth may appear bitter, but that is the reality the national leadership of the party need to consider over the issue of choice of party standard bearer.

    Sylva and Lokpobiri have nothing to lose by putting on hold their ambition for the governorship election. They will rather emerge heroic for subjecting their interest to the overall interest of the party by rallying round their younger comrade, Engr. Aganaba. This is the time they must resist counsels of the Ahitophels and listen to the voice of reason in the interest of the party. If they refuse to heed the advice and go ahead to get the ticket of the party to contest the general election and the party loses, the judgment of history will not forgive them.

    The signs are ominous that APC will win the governorship election in Bayelsa if and only if Sylva and Lokpobiri will bury their ambition and throw their weight behind Aganaba. That is the political reality steering at the faces of APC and indeed Bayelsans as a whole.

  • Bayelsa poll: Jonathan, wife ‘working to make PDP lose’

    THE Bayelsa State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Support Group has accused former President Goodluck Jonathan, and his wife Patience of making surreptitious moves to cause confusion in the PDP by falsely encouraging multiple governorship aspirants to enter the race.

    This, the group said, is to make the party lose the election.

    Group coordinator Isaac Ipidei, in a statement on Wednesday, said while Jonathan invited many prominent Bayelsans (with the pretext that he was supporting them), to join the governorship race, the ex-first lady and his close political ally, King AJ Turner, have been  meeting with Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ipidei called on the national leadership of the PDP to note “the dangerous duplicity of Jonathan and his political camp, and so take requisite steps to avert any threat to PDP’s victory at the November 16 governorship polls”.

    He called on the national leadership to take the expected measures to halt the action linked to the former President to prevent him from repeating the PDP loss of political power at the centre in his native Bayelsa.

    According to Ipide, it was rather curious that Jonathan, who rode to the peak of his political career on the platform of the PDP, would sponsor opposition candidate to subvert the party’s chances for reasons known to him.

    He urged the PDP family in Bayelsa to be wary of the former President, who he accused of deliberate refusal to support the party financially or morally during its moments of trial and during crucial elections since 2012.

    Read Also: Jonathan calls for electoral reforms

    According to him, Jonathan refused to support the PDP campaign in the last election, but opted to support opposition elements from the APC and the ADC. He said the National leadership of the PDP would not probe for long before they realise that Jonathan, his wife, and cronies are sponsoring litigation in favour of defeated candidates of other parties sponsored by them in the last election.

    He added that the former President refused to speak out when the party came under attack from the military, and a PDP Ward Chairman, Mr. Seidougha Taribi, and a Government House photographer, Reginald Dei, were murdered in Southern Ijaw.

    The statement reads: “The PDP Support Group is constrained to make these comments about our former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, whose actions are bothering on sabotage in the coming primaries of our great party. It is sad that Jonathan is not playing his expected role as a former President and leader; he does not support the party in any way, yet encourages several politicians to indicate interest in the governorship of the state on the pretext that he is supporting them; this is just to  create confusion.

    “A number of the aspirants are traceable to him, his wife, his friend, King AJ Turner. In spite of this, they are constantly meeting with Chief Timipre Sylva. We wish to alert our national leaders that this unnecessary duplicity on the party of the former President is a threat to the party in the next election which should be stopped forthwith.

    “His indecisiveness and the same confusion led to the party’s loss of at the centre in 2015 when he allowed a solid cohesive national party handed over to him to disintegrate under his watch. It is unfortunate that he is back to his game. He has never supported the rebuilding of that party in Bayelsa, and he is now back to destroy it.”

  • Sylva is best for Bayelsa APC, says Daumebi

    Festus Daumebi was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bayelsa State Central Senatorial District in the last general elections. He spoke with MIKE ODIEGWU on the November 16 governorship election and the chances of the aspirants at the primary.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) is preparing for governorship primary in Bayelsa State. What is your view?

    As a leader of the APC in Bayelsa State, who represented the party to fly the flag of the largest senatorial district in the general elections, there is no doubt or it is unambigious to say that Chief Timipre Sylva, who is the leader of the party in the state, is the only man with the requisite political structure to win the governorship election for the party and to salvage the state from the shackles of bad governance as we currently experience in this state.

    You will agree with me that Chief Timipre Sylva was in 2012 forcefully removed from office under a political coup. He was a victim of political circumstances, power play that played out at that time but I am sure that those that orchestrated his removal and the enthronement of the present government are even more disappointed than Timipre Sylva himself.

    So, the only way to rewrite our past wrongs is to support him chief Sylva to complete his remaining four years. Under his Excellency Chief Timipre Sylva we experienced near 24 hours power supply in Bayelsa state. Residents were able to close their two eyes and sleep in this state. When you talk these things some persons will say Famtamgbe this Famtamgbe that. I challenge anybody in this state, who was murdered by the Timipre Sylva government to come up with evidence because those things are just political blackmails.

    Famtamgbe was there to confront cultist and armed robbers. No decent law abiding indigene of this state was ever harassed by Famtamgbe. I want to hear one person come out to say that for no reason he was harassed or detained by Famtamgbe or by Timipre Sylva administration. But today we see a government that openly fantasizes with cultists. We see a government that patronizes criminals. In fact, one of the surest ways of winning the heart of the present government is for you to be a criminal. That is where Bayelsa has found itself.

    Let us put the record straight, Timipre Sylva constructed 54 internal roads, opening up the state within the state capital but here is a man that for seven and half years has been dualizing the Isaac Boro road that was constructed by his Excellency,  D.S.P Alamiesiegha of blessed memories. So for Bayelsa to recoup his past glory, the only option is Timipre Sylva.

    How do you resolve the internal wrangling in APC?

    There are no internal wrangling in APC. Politics is a game, a struggle for power. That does not mean that we are enemies. If you think that there is wrangling  in the APC, what will you say about in the PDP where one man is parading himself as the king of a conquered land. Bayelsa is not a conquered territory. No single person can lay claim to Bayelsa. It is only God Almighty that owns Bayelsa state. Let me tell you, from its creation in 1996 till today, God has proven that Bayelsa doesn’t not have a champion. If you think one man will stay in his house and determine the affairs of Bayelsa and Bayelsans, it’s a lie. It will not happen. God will take the glory at the end of the 2019 elections in Bayelsa state.

    But some leaders in your party say Timipre Sylva can’t win elections and they cited the election of 2015. Do you think he can do in 2019, what he could not do in 2015?

    Let that leader bring his own unit result that says Timipre Sylva can’t win elections. As a matter of fact, I was the at the frontline in the 2015 gubernatorial elections especially the rerun. I was virtually involved at every stage and so am in a better position to speak than every other leader of the party. Timipre Sylva won that election landslide. But some circumstances played out in that election. His Excellency Chief Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, just lost his re-election at the centre to the AAPC. So, that sympathy was there that this is Jonathan’s state and if APC wins Bayelsa it will be like they removed him from the center and also came to oppress him in his state. But today by virtue of his office as a former president of this country from our state, our leader, Dr. Jonathan is as disappointed as every other Bayelsans in the present government. So, the sympathy factor will no longer play out. It is going to be an entirely different scenario.

    Some people are asking Sylva to accept a ministerial appointment and support a different person to win the governorship ticket. What is your view?

    Don’t let anybody deceive you with such advice. As it stands in Bayelsa APC today, even if any other person in Bayelsa APC is going to win election, that candidate inclusive of myself needs the support of Chief Timipre Sylva. You can’t win election in Bayelsa without Chief Timipre Sylva’s support under APC. It is not possible. Let us not call white, black and black, white and run down our leaders. Sylva is my leader and unarguably the leader of APC in Bayelsa and  APC is one united strong family.

    The former Minister, Heineken Lokpobiri, is in the race and he says he is sure of the ticket. Don’t you foresee serious division in APC?

    It is everybody’s right to contest and the the former minister has the right as a member of the party and as a Nigerian to contest but like I said earlier, Timipre Sylva is the only man with the requisite political structure and will to win elections for the party and the state at large. He has built bridges across party lines. It is not about APC. I tell people, anybody that is coming to govern this state should not center his force on his party alone because you are not coming to govern a party. Bayelsans in the past seven and half years have experienced misrule. Our economy as a state is completely crumbled. Nothing as you will bear me witness is happening in this state. It is a capital flight.

    This is a state the government claims to have spent between N65 to 120billiom naira building an airport but the governor and all his appointees, don’t fly from there. The other day,  I flew the same flight with the Chief of Staff to the governor from Port Harcourt Airport. What happened to the one he claimed to have built? This government has nothing to offer Bayelsans and that is why Bayelsans must remain united to resist any imposition.

    Don’t you think it is too late for Sylva to declare his intentions and prepare for the APC primary?

    That is why we are calling on him. The structures Timipre Sylva has built in this state and in the APC if he declares in 24hours to the primaries that he is going to contest, he is going to win. We are sure. I am not just an ordinary member of this party. I a senetorial candidate. If there is anybody amongst these  people that are showing interest to contest that is qualified I think I am also qualified by virtue of my outings in the last general election. I gave the PDP, their candidate and the state government a fight for their money.

    But the truth is that  I concede like every other well-meaning Bayelsans and member of the party that our leader Chief Timipre Sylva is the only man that can win election and let me add this, our national APC should be mindful how we go about this election. Any other person handed over this party ticket without Chief Timipre Sylva or his support will be an exercise in futility.

    Let nobody deceive you. We can all go out and open campaign offices and say we want to contest. To declare an interest to contest is one thing, getting a party ticket is another thing and winning the general election is another thing. You mentioned the former minister; he my elder brother, a friend and I respect him alot.  I hold him in a very high esteem but this is one man that is from Ekeremor.  From that same senetorial district with two local government completing eight years for the first time and another person will come from there for another eight years. Alot of factors will play against him.

    Politics is all about structures. You can’t win an election without structures and that is not to say the former minister does not have structures. He does, but not as solid as the foundation of Chief Timipre Sylva. That is why I am calling on all leaders of the party to rally round and behind Sylva. Let us support him. He has only years so let us support him and rebuild the state. We need a man that has the audacity to challenge the present restoration government and the only person that Seriake Dickson, the governor of Bayelsa state and restoration governor fears is Chief Sylva. So, if today Sylva decides not to contest, it is only a candidate he supports that can win elections. You can’t write him off.

  • Jonathan seeks deployment of modern technology in terrorism fight

    FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has called for deployment of new technology to confront the insecurity in the country.

    He called for the establishment of a special unit similar to that of anti-graft agencies – Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) – to manage kidnapping and terrorism-related issues.

    Dr Jonathan spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where he condoled with elder statesmen Chief Reuben Fasoranti on the death of his daughter, Mrs. Funke Olakunri.

    The former president described Mrs. Olakunri’s death as “painful”.

    Dr. Jonathan said: “We know we will all die and it does not respect age. But the circumstances of death matters so much. Particularly in this particular case, it is quite a painful incident.

    “Every generation of human beings faces problems and that generation must find ways of solving that problem. Every government faces some unique problems.

    “Insecurity has been with us immediately after the civil war. That was the first time we experienced armed robbery in Lagos. From armed robbery it graduated to kidnapping.

    “The first major kidnapping I describe as commercial kidnapping because some money exchanged hands which happened in 2006 when I was also a governor of Bayelsa State.

    “From commercial kidnapping, it moved to terrorism in the North and now, some kind of terrorist attacks all over the country, when people just jump into the road and spray bullets on innocent people; that is terror attack. You have no reason to attack somebody you don’t even know; that is terrorism.

    “It is now a major problem to the country and my belief is that the Federal Government working with the state government must design a different approach.

    “I was there as a president for some time; security challenges were there with me. I also inherited some. But it is getting worse every day. And we cannot continue to use the same old method.

    “As security operatives, the police, the SSS, the armed forces, we must deploy technology and I believe if the Federal Government will need to set up a special unit, just like we set up EFCC and ICPC to handle specific issues of corruption, they will know that their total responsibility is to manage this issue of kidnapping and terrorist attacks on people going on the road or going to the farm.

    Read Also: Four firms appeal forfeiture of Jonathan’s wife’s N12.2b

    “We can’t continue that way, it is not just possible, because we can’t talk about managing the economy of this country if people are not safe. Economy is for the people, they must be alive to enjoy infrastructure. Even if you tar all the roads in the country and people cannot move around, then the roads become meaningless.”

    Dr. Jonathan’s view, security must be approached from a different dimension. “We cannot continue the old way because it is getting out of hand. We hope the federal and state governments will do something about it,” he said.

    The former president recalled that a National Conference where some issues were discussed, especially on security, state and regional police was held in 2014 when he was president.

    He said: “A lot of things were discussed during the national conference organised during my time as president. The issue of security, state and community policing were discussed. I always believe that government should look at that report, it was not written by me.

    “We should not play politics with serious national issues. If we look at that report, there are recommendations that bother on security and if there is an area that needs to be expanded because I believe everyday new idea comes, it should be updated.

    “There is nothing wrong holding a specific meeting to look at the issue of security. I believe the federal and state government having a new approach, deploying technology and having more money to protect our people.”

  • Siasia’s family awaits mum abductors’ phone call

    There were concerns in Odoni community, Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State on Tuesday following failure of kidnappers of Madam Ogere Siasia, the mother of a former Coach and player of the Super Eagles, Samson Siasia to call any of the family members.

    It was gathered the concerns were based on the failing health of Ma Ogere, who was abducted without her anti-hypertensive drugs and mobile handsets.

    Family members living in Odoni and Yenagoa, the state capital, were said to be disturbed over the possibility of their 80-year-old mother surviving the abduction.

    The octogenarian mother and two other persons, including a woman and her 17-year-old granddaughter were whisked away on Monday at 2am by gunmen.

    The gunmen, who came on speedboats through the River Nun, that criss-crosses the community, broke into the house through the front door and took their victim to an unknown destination.

    They also broke into a house along the road to the River Nun and abducted a 60-year-old woman with her granddaughter and fled unchallenged.

    Read Also: Updated: Siasia’s mother, two others kidnapped

    Harrison, 93-year-old husband of the victim, urged the abductors to release his wife and wondered why the woman was always their target.

    “I am appealing to the abductors to release to my wife. Why are they always kidnapping my wife? They should please set her free.

    “My wife is sick. They took her without her drugs. I am begging them to release her,” he said.

    It was gathered that the police were still looking for clues to unmask the identities of her kidnappers.