A major contestant for the Bayelsa State governorship seat and aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Reuben Okoya has withdrawn from the race.
Chief Okoya, an Architect, who was until May 28 this year the co-ordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced his withdrawal from the race in a statement he issued in Abuja Wednesday.
He said his decision was informed by recent development in the state and the need to support the incumbent governor, to ensure that the PDP retain the seat.
Chief Okoya said he withdrew in deference to the strong views and positions expressed at various levels by top leaders and key stakeholders of our great party.
He said it was the preference of leaders of the party that preference be given to the incumbent Governor to fly the flag of our Party at the December 5th general election, a decision he said became apparent during the National Stakeholders Meeting held at Yenagoa on Sunday 6th September 6 and at Governor Seriake Dickkson’s declaration rally held on September 8.
“When my tenure as Co-ordinator Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (FCT) ended on 28th May 2015, I was approached by a great number of people, many of whom I hold in high esteem, to enter the race to become the next Governor of Bayelsa State.
“I consulted widely and many people felt that I had the proven track record of experience, credibility and capacity to take our dear state to the next level by designing and implementing much needed sustainable development projects in Bayelsa.
“As an Architect and professional Project Manager, I felt strongly convinced and deeply persuaded to offer myself to serve the State. Accordingly, I proceeded to procure and submit my expression of interest and nomination Forms in line with guidelines of my party – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“However, recent events have compelled me to withdraw from the Governorship race under the platform of our great Party – the PDP. This decision is in deference to the strong views and positions expressed at various levels by top leaders and key stakeholders of our great party.
“It is their opinion that preference be given to the incumbent Governor to fly the flag of our Party at the December 5th general election. This became apparent during the National Stakeholders Meeting held at Yenagoa on Sunday 6th September and at the declaration rally of the Governor on 8th September 2015.
“As a loyal Party member I have decided to make this sacrifice to withdraw from the race in the overall interest of the PDP and the people of Bayelsa State. I will now focus my energies on ensuring that our great party is victorious on 5th December 2015.
“To my loyal and dedicated supporters, without whom I would not have come this far, I thank you for your total support. I thank you for the faith and trust shown to me. I pledge to you all that from this day onward I will work tirelessly to ensure that the principles and ideals which brought us together are not lost and that working in partnership we can and will ensure that Bayelsa remains the ‘Glory of all lands,” Okoya said.
