Jesse Ese, Yenagoa
Former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu, has led Gov. Sylva’s loyalists to the People’s Democratic Party via the platform of the Ex-Bayelsa Goverment Officials Forum (EBGOF) last week.
Speaking on behalf of the group at the party secretariat in Yenagoa, Hon. Seibarugu recalled that they left office about 2 years and 3 months now and that the party has not been carrying them along.
He also said that they have come to reaffirm their unflinching support to the party that they never left the party.
He added that ex-Gov Sylva moved to the APC and believed that his aides have also moved with him, that they have come to dispel rumour that they have moved to the APC with the former governor.
He also called on the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson to integrated them into their party that they have been discriminated for so long now, that he should order the leaders of the party to carry them along.
“We are loyal party faithfuls, we did not move to APC with anyone. It is therefore our desire that the party recognize us as bonafide members and carry us along. We believe that by this our declaration; we will be accorded full rights to the party and no longer be discriminated,” he stated.
In his response, Governor stated that it was unfortunate that Sylva took the path that he has taken even though it is within his constitutional right, and also blamed the media for the impression they created.
He added that their reaffirmation with the party has made their work in the forthcoming election easier. He also said that he would discuss with the former deputy governor and see how they could be integrated into the party.
He also said that due process needs to be followed. He added that appointments and contracts are rotation, that anyone who is not given any appointment should not feel that he is being punished that “when you were appointed, there were others who were not appointed.”
Also addressing those who defected from other political parties in the state, Gov Dickson stated that: “if you want to win elections in Bayelsa, it is PDP, I saw that earlier than you. Our party is the only party that has given a man from the minority a presidential nomination. In politics you don’t have enemies, you only have opposition.
He also urged the party chairman to make sure that there is no discrimination at all in the party, stressing that he is ready to work with everyone.
Concerning the forthcoming election, Gov Dickson advised those who wish to contest for various positions to wait for INEC and also consult properly before embarking on campaigns.
