Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, on Thursday expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would win overwhelmingly in Southern Ijaw Local Government anytime the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixes the date to conduct the re-scheduled election.
He said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Timipre Sylva, would be defeated “with the mandate of the people, devoid of rigging”.
Dickson, who stated this at a PDP stakeholders meeting in Yenagoa, described the area as the strongest fortress of the party being the home of the Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation, the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Besides, the PDP boasts of other staunch foundational members of the party which include the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson, Chief of Staff Government House, Rt. Hon. Talford Ongolo and Chief Patrick Osunu in addition to the fact that the area witnessed the least defection in the build up to the December 5th Governorship election.
Describing the election that took place on Sunday as a charade, Governor Dickson wondered why the main opposition party would claim to have scored over 80,000 votes in an area where they do not have any strong followership.
According to him, the opposition connived with the military to undermine the security of the electorate and INEC staff in order to manipulate the electoral process knowing fully well that the local government had the second largest voter strength.
Commending the people of the Southern Ijaw for their courage and resilience in the face intimidation and harassment during the last election, the Governor said all what the people desire is for INEC to provide a level playing ground by strictly adhering to the guidelines of the electoral act.
Dickson, who used the forum to re-constitute the Bayelsa Elders Council headed by Air Vice Marshal Larry Koinyan (rtd), also appreciated the various roles played by the caucus chairmen of the PDP that enabled the party to achieve the success it has recorded so far.
He said Senator Nimi Barigha Amange is the Deputy Chairman, while the three vice chairmen representing the senatorial districts are, East- King Amalate Turner, West-Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Central-Chief Patrick Osunu with Chief Thompson Okorotie to serve as Secretary.
Responding, Chairman of the Elders Council, Air Vice Marshal Larry Koinyan (rtd) expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him to serve the people and pledged to collaborate with members of the council towards repositioning the Ijaw nation.
Also speaking, the state acting PDP chairman, Chief Serena Dokubo Spiff urged all to remain steadfast as the election was not yet over, but expressed optimism that PDP would carry the day.
