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  • Bayelsa: PDP knocks APC over attacks on ex-President Jonathan

    Bayelsa: PDP knocks APC over attacks on ex-President Jonathan

    Bayelsa state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lambasted the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state for attacking former President Goodluck Jonathan over personal comments he made during a visit to Governor Douye Diri last Friday.

    The state publicity secretary, PDP, Ebiye Ogoli, in a statement on Monday, November 20, accused the APC of twisting the former President’s comments in order to pour out its frustrations after losing the November 11 2023 governorship election in the state.

    Ogoli said: “For clarity, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan while congratulating the Governor during the visit, had said: ‘I told myself that if Diri loses this election, I might consider moving my mother to Abuja’.”

    The PDP spokesman, therefore, wondered how in an election contested by candidates of 16 political parties, the APC had to misconstrue Jonathan’s comment as if it was directed at the party or its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva.

    Ogoli stated: “For emphasis, the former President never mentioned the APC or its candidate throughout the course of the visit.

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    “Since his forthright comment appeared in the media, the APC and its array of faceless, contemptible, lick-spittle groups have been inconsolable, acting like a forcefully weaned baby.

    “Placed in proper context, Dr. Jonathan’s comment alluded to and reflected the peace, security and stability that Bayelsa State has witnessed under the Governor Diri administration, which is a fact generally acknowledged by residents of the state.

    “The Bayelsa APC so-called leaders and groups, who are actually lackeys of the party’s governorship candidate, continue to make themselves a laughing stock for their intemperate and disrespectful tirades against Nigeria’s icon of democracy.

    “If anyone is suffering any sort of frustration or mental crisis, it is the Bayelsa APC and its candidate that are yet to come to terms with the shellacking they got on November 11.

    “We advise them to lick their wound with some decorum and not misdirect their anger towards an innocent statesman who spoke truth from his heart.

    “Even beyond Bayelsa, the violent character and disposition of the Bayelsa APC leaders and their candidates in the last election is well-known and documented.”

    He said that if Bayelsans had any fear, it was that the state might return to the infamous days of Famou Tangbe, cultism, cult wars and attacks on political opponents, etc. if Governor Diri was not re-elected.

    Ogoli added: “So, the electorate was not only determined to protect their votes but to also ensure that the governor was returned to Creek Haven. The final result was the true reflection of the mindset of Bayelsans and what they indeed wanted. The outpouring of celebration and congratulatory messages equally confirmed this. We wonder why Sylva and his cohorts quarrel with this truth.

    “Our party again uses this opportunity to appreciate former President Jonathan for his gracious endorsement and unflinching support for our candidate as well as the Bayelsa people for standing solidly behind the PDP and the Prosperity Administration.”

  • Sylva’s running mate criticises Jonathan’s comment on mum’s relocation

    Sylva’s running mate criticises Jonathan’s comment on mum’s relocation

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has come under fire over his comment that he would have relocated his mother elsewhere if Chief Timipre Sylva, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had won the November 11 governorship election.

    Incidentally, incumbent Governor Douye Diri, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won the poll.

    But the APC deputy governorship candidate, Great Joshua Maciver, took exception to the former president’s outburst and his partisan endorsement of Diri in spite of his statesmanship.

    Maciver, in a statement yesterday, said: “It is with a deep sense of concern and sadness that I, Great Joshua MacIver, deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Bayelsa State, address the endorsement of Governor Diri by former President Jonathan.

    “In a manner that departs from the expected statesmanship, I find it disheartening that Jonathan, in a state where his role should be father like and non-partisan to all candidates, has chosen to endorse a specific individual, during a political season.

    Read Also: You’re an icon of democracy, Tinubu tells Jonathan at 66

    “Furthermore, I express my reservations regarding the former president’s statement about the planned relocation of his mother to Abuja had Governor Diri lost the governorship election. This public speech, openly demarketing Bayelsa State as unsafe and insecure, is a sentiment that should not be voiced by someone of his stature.

    “Sadly, Jonathan’s recent action has made him lose the respect of all true followers of the former Minister of State Petroleum Resources and APC governorship candidate in the last election, Chief Sylva.”

    He advised Jonathan as a statesman to be wary and conscious of his statement at all times and to avoid a situation whereby people would begin to question his statesmanship and integrity as a former leader and father of all, irrespective of political leanings.

  • You’re icon of democracy, Tinubu tells Jonathan at 66

    You’re icon of democracy, Tinubu tells Jonathan at 66

    • Ex-President remains unique democrat, statesman, says Diri

    President Bola Tinubu and Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri have hailed former President Goodluck Jonathan for his outstanding contributions to democracy and nation-building as the ex-President celebrates his 66th birthday today.

     They poured encomiums on the former President for his patriotism and commitment to peace and development.

     President Tinubu said Dr. Jonathan’s wisdom and patriotism would remain a standard for other leaders who aspire to make a difference in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

     A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said: “On behalf of the people and government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu celebrates former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on his 66th birthday, for his unique demonstration of statesmanship and for his distinguishing achievement as a leader, who gave Nigeria and Africa, a pride of place in democratic lore by upending the vitiating paradigm of those who seek to hold onto power by all means.

     “President Tinubu shares the joyous occasion with one of our icons of democracy, whose humility continues to inspire hope for good governance in the country and on the continent.

     “The President believes the former President possesses a distinguished profile on leadership, rising up the ladder as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice-President and President, and now championing the cause of peace in Africa by bringing together and counselling leaders on harmonious co-existence for the benefit of the people they serve.

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     “The President commends former President Jonathan for committing himself to the service of humanity and to strengthening democratic institutions, exemplified by his relentless peace missions and advocacy of non-violence in the peaceful transition of power across the African continent.

     “As the former President clocks 66, President Tinubu affirms that his wisdom, foresight, and patriotism will continue to set an example for leaders aspiring to make a difference in Nigeria and beyond.

     “The President prays that God Almighty will continually sustain the former President and his wife, Patience, in good health and strength.”

     Also, Diri described Dr. Jonathan as a unique and quintessential democrat and statesman.”

     In a message yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor said Dr. Jonathan remained an unrivalled pride of the state, Nigeria and Africa.”

      “Your credential as a global democracy ambassador and icon is outstanding.

     “You have become a symbol of hope to nations and individuals by your exemplary conduct in public life, “Diri said.

     “As a people and as a state, we are fortunate to have produced a leader like you that the whole world is proud of. We remain indebted for your lofty ambassadorial profile. The government and people of Bayelsa State celebrate this moment with you and your family…

    “We pray for you to have more fruitful years of quality service to humanity in good health,” Diri said.

  • Bayelsa poll: Jonathan under fire over comment on mother’s relocation

    Bayelsa poll: Jonathan under fire over comment on mother’s relocation

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has come under fire over his comment that he would have relocated his mother elsewhere if Timipre Sylva, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had won the Bayelsa state November 11, governorship poll.

    Incidentally, the incumbent Governor Douye Diri and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won the election.

    But in a show of anger and disbelief, the APC Deputy governorship candidate in the just-concluded poll in Bayelsa State, Great Joshua Maciver, took exception to the former President’s outburst and his partisan endorsement of Diri in spite of his statesmanship.

    Maciver in a statement on Sunday, said: “It is with a deep sense of concern and sadness that I, Great Joshua MacIver, deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Bayelsa State, address the endorsement of Governor Douye Diri by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

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    “In a manner that departs from the expected statesmanship, I find it disheartening that Jonathan, in a state where his role should be father like and non-partisan to all candidates, has chosen to endorse a specific individual, during a political season.

    “Furthermore, I express my reservations regarding the former President’s statement about the planned relocation of his mother to Abuja had Governor Douye Diri lost the governorship election. This public speech, openly demarketing Bayelsa State as unsafe and insecure, is a sentiment that should not be voiced by someone of his stature.

    “Sadly, Jonathan’s recent action has made him lose the respect of all true followers of the former Minister of State Petroleum Resources and APC governorship candidate in the last election, Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva.”

    He advised Jonathan as a statesman to be wary and conscious of his statement at all times and to avoid a situation whereby people would begin to question his statesmanship and integrity as a former leader and father of all, irrespective of political leanings.

  • Jonathan: I would have relocated my mother had APC won Bayelsa

    Jonathan: I would have relocated my mother had APC won Bayelsa

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he would have relocated his mother to Abuja if Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri had lost his reelection bid to the All Progressives Congress.

    Jonathan expressed confidence that Diri’s victory will make the state safer with the governor’s determination to tackle insecurity.

    He spoke when he visited the governor in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

    His words: “We don’t want to go into an unnecessary crisis in the state. Results have been declared and we believe the election was conducted.

    “We believe the governor won the election and we plead that people should accept it and work with the governor. Let all of us support him so that the state will move ahead.

    “There should be nothing that will push the state backwards. We should think about the development of the state, starting with the issue of peace and security in the state. Within this last period, three years plus, there have been significant improvements in terms of cultism, kidnapping, and so on and so forth.

    “I was saying before this election that if Diri lost this election, I would have relocated my mother to Abuja.”

    Elated that criminal elements no longer hold sway in the state, Jonathan urged the people to support Diri to move the state forward. He said: “My cousin was kidnapped two times. On one of those occasions, one of my cousins, Solo, was killed because they threw him into the river and he didn’t know how to swim.

    Read Also: APC Elders wades into Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu fued

    “So, we’ve passed through hell in this state and we’ve seen a little light at the end of the tunnel. So, people should calm down, and allow Diri to focus on governance so that he will be able to propel this state forward so that we will benefit as citizens of the state.”

    Diri emerged winner of the Bayesla State governorship election held penultimate weekend.

    The Independent Electoral Commission, (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof Faruq Kuta, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Of Technology, Minna, announced Diri winner of the poll at the collation centre of the election on Monday.

    Diri polled 175,196 to defeat his closest rival, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, who garnered 110,108 votes while the Labour Party polled 905 votes.

    The governor, and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo were presented their Certificates of Return by the INEC’s National Commissioner for Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu on Friday.

  • Liberia polls: Tinubu, Jonathan hail Weah for conceding defeat

    Liberia polls: Tinubu, Jonathan hail Weah for conceding defeat

    • Emulate Liberian President, congratulate Tinubu, Labour Party faction urges Obi, Atiku

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former president Goodluck Jonathan were full of commendation for outgoing Liberian President George Weah yesterday for the leadership virtue he exhibited in conceding defeat to opposition leader, Joseph Boakai, in the just-concluded presidential election in the country.

    In the election results declared by Liberia’s electoral commission, Boakai had scored 50.89 after votes from more than 99 per cent of polling locations were counted while Weah received 49.11 per cent.

    In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu commended Weah for ‘defying the stereotype’ that power cannot transit peacefully on the continent.

    He also congratulated President-elect Boakai and tasked him on the need to make good governance available to the people of Liberia.

    The statement reads: “I commend President George Weah for his sterling example, undiluted patriotism and statesmanship.

    “He has defied the stereotype that peaceful transitions of power are untenable in West Africa.

    “He has demonstrated that the outcome of elections in the sub-region need not become the propellant of violence and unrest and that the will of the people must always be respected.”

    In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle yesterday, former President Jonathan, who was also the leader of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) for the general elections and run-off, hailed Weah for promoting the peace and progress of his country.

    He noted that Weah showed “an exemplary display of statesmanship” and urged the president-elect to be magnanimous in victory.

    Jonathan said: I congratulate the President-Elect His Excellency Joseph Boakai and urge him to be magnanimous in victory and seek to continue the efforts to unite and advance his country.

    “I am also particularly grateful to the outgoing President, His Excellency George Weah, who has just conceded defeat and congratulated his opponent even ahead of the official declaration of the final result by the National Election Commission of Liberia.

     “By doing this, President Weah has exhibited an exemplary display of statesmanship and commitment to the peace and progress of his country.”

     Emulate Weah, congratulate Tinubu, Labour party faction urges Obi, Atiku

     In a related development, the Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) yesterday asked the former presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and LP, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, to emulate Liberian President George Weah and congratulate President Bola Tinubu.

     The Liberian President lost his re-election bid to opposition leader Joseph Boakai and conceded defeat.

     In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, in Abuja yesterday, the party said it expected Obi and Atiku to have buried the hatchet and join hands with the President in delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda.

     The statement said: “The Liberian presidential election, though still on as the electoral umpire is yet to declare the winner of the election, the results so far have compelled the incumbent President George Weah to congratulate the opposition candidate, Boakai, who is obviously the winner.

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     “The Labour Party believed that it’s instructive that elections, like any competition, would produce the winner and loser. This is why the behaviour and reaction of President George Weah even before the official announcement of the results of the presidential election in Liberia to his loss should be commended and African leaders should emulate.

     “So far, Boakai is leading with over 28,000 votes, leaving a polling unit where voting has not commenced and 20 polling units results are under scrutiny. Whatever comes from the above would not in any way affect the results so far collated.

     “Nigerian leaders should emulate this spirit of sportsmanship. Once both the winners and losers have explored all the available processes and opportunities provided by the laws and constitution, the winners should be magnanimous in victory and the losers should be sportsmen and return to the drawing table for the next election.

     “Any election should not be taken as do or die affair. It should not be a war, a battle. We need ourselves.

     “President George Weah of Liberia again has shown, like Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, that incumbency is not a tool to be used to rig election and opposition should not be intimidated by incumbency.

     “The Electorate is the decider. Political parties compete for power by directing all their slogans, programmes and attention to the electorate. The people have spoken in Republic of Liberia. President George Weah has accepted the decision of the Liberian voters.

     “The time is ripe for former Vice-president and PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of LP, Mr. Peter Obi to congratulate the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the former had explored all the opportunities availed by the Constitution and the Electoral Law.

    “The incumbent in spite of losing his second term as President yesterday did not wait for anyone before he congratulated the winner.

     “As a responsible leader, the former President Goodluck Jonathan also did the same like George Weah, and today he is being reckoned with as a great pillar of democracy.

     “The Labour Party therefore appealed to Obi’ and Atiku to support the administration and have faith in ongoing reforms.

     “We had expected the duo to have buried the hatchet and join hands with the President in delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda.

     “The Labour Party believed that the sanctity of the people’s will, as expressed at the polls, had prevailed immediately the Supreme Court delivered its verdict, politics should have ended with that pronouncement.

     ”With the apex court ruling affirming the legitimacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, electoral litigation has come to an end.

    “Peter Obi should stop whipping a dead horse and what else does he want anyway.

    “Peter Obi and Atiku should exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship and congratulate the President and join hands with him to revamp the economy and deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.”

  • Bayelsa poll: I’d have relocated my mother if Diri lost, says Jonathan

    Bayelsa poll: I’d have relocated my mother if Diri lost, says Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said the would have moved his mother to Abuja if Governor Douye Diri, the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, had not won. 

    Jonathan stated this on Friday when he visited Diri in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

    “I was saying before this election that if Diri loses this election, I would have relocated my mother to Abuja.

    “We don’t want to go into unnecessary crisis in the state. Results have been declared and we believe the election was conducted. We believe the Governor won the election and we plead that people should accept it and work with the governor. Let all of us support him so that the state will move ahead.

    “There should be nothing that will push the state backward. We should think about the development of the state starting from the issue of peace and security in the state which within this last period, three years plus, there are significant improvements in terms of cultism and kidnapping and so on and so forth,” he said.

    The former President hailed Diri’s efforts at tackling insecurity, saying the governor’s re-election means the state would be a lot safer.

    He said if Douye had lost, the gains made in curbing insecurity would have been lost.

    Speaking about his cousin’s kidnapping and murder, Jonathan was hopeful that the crisis would soon come to an end since Diri would be returning as state governor.

    Read Also: Ex-President Jonathan congratulates Bayelsa’s Gov. Diri on re-election

    He said: “My cousin was kidnapped two times on one of those occasions, one of my cousins, Solo, was killed because they threw him into the river and he didn’t know how to swim,” he added.

    “So, we’ve passed through hell in this state and we’ve seen a little light at the end of the tunnel. So, people should calm down, and allow Diri to focus on governance so that he will be able to propel this state forward so that we will benefit as citizens of the State.”

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had given Diri his certificate of return earlier in the day for a second term in office.

    He will be sworn in for another four-year tenure next year.

  • Stop off-season elections, Jonathan tells National Assembly

    Stop off-season elections, Jonathan tells National Assembly

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to the National Assembly to stop off-season elections in the country.

    Jonathan spoke yesterday shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 39, Ward 13, Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

    He said: “First, let me congratulate all the three states that have elections today – Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, basically, because this is an off-cycle election.

    ” I get worried about the issue of off-season election and I will use this as a unique opportunity to plead with the National Assembly that we need to block this off-season election; it’s very odd, it’s not a global best practice.”

    “A country can elect their people at different times like America, they may not elect at the same time but every time they go on to do elections, they elect everybody that is meant to be elected.

    ” If we continue with this trend of off-season elections based on the interpretation of our laws, it will come to a time that the Presidential election will be off-season, probably that’s the time that a lot of you media people should be worried.

    Read Also: Bayelsa guber: Jonathan urges kinsmen to vote for Diri

    “Look at the American system, everybody knows when the American elections will be conducted, that’s the standard practice of other countries. When I say the Nigerian Presidential election may be off-season someday, some people will askoff-season how? why? It almost happened in 2007 when I contested as a running mate to President Yar’Adua.

    “You know that election, the seven justices that presided over the case, three of them, in their own judgment, said that the election be annulled, four of them sustained and that is why we stayed, if one had crossed over, by now the presidential election will be off season and it is not the best for a country.

    “These seven states with off-season elections can be migrated back to fall in line with the other states. The National Assembly can do that; that is my message for the National Assembly and for Nigerians today.”

  • Why we must end off-season elections in Nigeria, by Jonathan

    Why we must end off-season elections in Nigeria, by Jonathan

    Former president Goodluck Jonathan has urged the National Assembly to end off-season elections in Nigeria.

    The former national leader said this in an interview with newsmen after he voted in the ongoing governorship election in Otuoke, Bayelsa state on Saturday, November 11.

    He said: “First, let me congratulate the three states that have elections today. Bayelsa state, Imo State, and Kogi State, in which I wish all the states successful elections and peaceful conduct of elections.

    “But, because this is an off-season election and I get worried about the issue of off-season elections, I will use this unique opportunity to plead with the National Assembly that we need to block this office in elections. It’s very odd. It’s not global best practice.

    “A country can elect its people at different times, like America and some countries, but not everybody at the same time. But anytime they go to an election, they elect everybody.

    Jonathan stated that there may come a day when Nigeria’s presidential election is held outside of the regular election season if the trend of off-season elections is based on the judiciary’s interpretation of our laws.

    He said: “If we continue with this trend of off-season elections based on the interpretation of our laws by the judicial officer, in that case, we’ll come to a time when the presidential election in Nigeria may be off-season. Probably that is the time that all of you media people and others will be worried.

    “Look at the American system; everybody knows when the American elections will be held, and that’s become standard practice.”

    On why the presidential election in Nigeria may be off-season one day, Jonathan said it almost happened in 2007, “when I ran as a running mate to the late President Yar’Adua.”

    He said: “You know that in that election, three of the seven justices that presided over the case stated in their judgment that the election be annulled. Four of them sustained the elections, and that is why we stayed. If one has crossed over by now, the presidential election in Nigeria would have been an off-season election, and it is not the best for a country.

    Read Also: Bayelsa guber: Jonathan urges kinsmen to vote for Diri

    “Now we have seven states that are off-season. We need to stop there, and where possible, these seven states can be migrated back and fall in line with the other states, and the National Assembly can do that. That is my message for the National Assembly, my message for Nigerians.”

    He, however, congratulated Nigerians, wishing for the success of the off-season elections.

    Jonathan added: “On the other hand, I wish the election success. I’ve been monitoring what is happening in Bayelsa state. I’ve asked people across the local governments, and for now, there are no major things to be worried about apart from the Basambari part of the Nimbe local government, which has been in conflict for quite some time before the election.”

    “Apart from that, I think the elections are going well, but we cannot conclude until the end of the voting period. So once again, I thank you and wish you well.”

  • Bayelsa guber: Jonathan urges kinsmen to vote for Diri

    Bayelsa guber: Jonathan urges kinsmen to vote for Diri

    Former president Goodluck Jonathan has told his kinsmen in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa state to reciprocate the good developmental gestures of Governor Douye Diri in the area by massively voting for him on Saturday, November 11, governorship poll in the state.

    Speaking at his country home in Otuoke on Thursday, November 9, when Governor Diri led a high-powered delegation to visit the former Nigerian leader, Jonathan said Diri had demonstrated love towards the Ogbia kingdom in different ways and that the people needed to reciprocate that by re-electing him and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

    It was the second time in 24 hours that the former president endorsed the governor’s second term bid, coming immediately after prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including governors, former governors, National Assembly members as well as members of the National Working Committee visited him on Tuesday at his Yenagoa residence.

    Jonathan commended Diri for choosing one of his political sons, Mitema Obordor, as Director-General of his governorship campaign council, stating that it is a signal of more good things to come to the East Senatorial District of the state.

    He said: “I thank the Otuoke community for giving the governor and his team this warm reception. For us in this senatorial district, one thing we should know is that when somebody picks one of your own to lead him in a political contest that means that person will never forget you.

    “For the governor to select Obordor from this senatorial district and indeed from Ogbia as his campaign DG, it means that Governor Diri has the mind to do something for you and will not forget you. And I plead with you all to reciprocate so we can get the benefit in store for us.”

    He urged the people to renew the governor’s mandate on Saturday by voting massively for him.

    Read Also: Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi safe for voters – Defence minister

    In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri thanked the former President and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, for the warm reception and his endorsement, which he said was given freely.

    Diri described Jonathan as a unique democrat and patriot who always desired the best for the state and the country.

    He also stated that Jonathan had always been a father to all and not a political godfather.

    Diri said those speculating that his endorsement by the former president and the former governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, was due to godfatherism were either ignorant or mischievous.

    He stressed that they lacked the understanding of honouring those placed in a position to lift others like Jonathan and Dickson.