[size=14pt]Bayelsa: Brewing violence against Sylva[/size]
By Joe Agbro Jr

The walk last Saturday was billed to begin from the gates of the state. And as early as 7am, people had started thronging the starting venue. It was a political rally to further stamp incumbent Governor Timipre Sylva’s intention to run for a second term as Bayelsa governor. The convoy of cars was long and a multitude of people were walking. The whole atmosphere was one of celebration despite the humid day. Men, women and youths decked in colourful wrappers and T-shirts with the governor’s name, sang, danced, and were merry in jubilation for Sylva.

During the carnival-like fanfare, the governor’s passage was even blocked by cheering supporters for some time. He had to walk and dance with the women before he was eventually allowed to continue in his car. For someone not in the know, it would have seemed Sylva had already won the elections and this was the celebration. But, that was not the case - at least, not yet.

Two hurdles still stand before Sylva as the next Bayelsa governor. Firstly, he has to win the primaries of his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Secondly, he has to win the gubernatorial elections next year, defeating other opponents also vying for that position. But, if the crowd that turned out for last Sylva’s rally is anything to go by, he stands a bright chance as the man to beat.

Bayelsans love Sylva and the reasons are not far-fetched. His administration since inception has brought development to the state. Firstly, that the Niger Delta is safe from militancy today can be attributed to him. He had taken the initiative to visit the militants in the creeks and had solely jump-started peace which the region is enjoying today. It was through his suasion that ‘amnesty’ became a reality. Hitherto, militancy had held development of states in the oil-rich region to ransom as the militants frequently disrupted activities in the crude oil sector by either blowing oil installations or kidnapping oil workers. Consequently, a lot of companies had to shut down operation and revenue generation from oil dwindled. But, the amnesty, granted former militants by the federal government, has ensured that the creeks are safer and oil operations have been restored. The country is richer for it.

Many of the people that I saw at the rally were really ordinary Bayelsans, who had come from far flung places in the state to support Sylva. They had come to show solidarity with Sylva who brought development to governance. In the early days, despite the initial lull in revenue to the state caused by militancy, development was never stymied. With available resources, numerous roads in Yenagoa and other parts of Bayelsa were constructed even as the governor recently launched a second gateway road into the state. In terms of healthcare, the Sylva administration also made its mark with the establishment of the Diete Koki Memorial hospital at Opolo, while his administration also renovated the General Hospital at Okolobiri and the State School of Nursing, Tombia.

In the power sector, one of the areas which Sylva contributed was in ensuring that the Imiringi gas turbine came on board. In the educational sector, it was during Sylva’s watch that the Niger Delta University had all its courses accredited. He also ensured that Nigerian Law School set up an annex in Yenagoa. And starting from this month, Sylva administration has announced the decision to pay the N18, 000 minimum wage. The governor also approved N92.9 million for local governments to implement the new Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) of primary health care workers. The times are surely getting better for Bayelsans.

Another election is set to decide the continuance of development. And in the race for the PDP party ticket are Sylva, Hon. Seriaki Dickson, former presidential adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Timi Alaibe, frontline media mogul, Ben Murray Bruce, Boloubo Orufa, Christopher Enai and others. Of course, this is a democracy and everyone has a right to vie for office.

However, PDP or not, it will be a big battle for anyone attempting to wrest this governorship from him. Expectedly, not everyone would wish him well, particularly, his opponents in the race for the governorship of the state. Maybe it is because, in politics, drawing bad blood is like a necessary skill. Forget whatever utterances are made in public. But, as far as Bayelsa is concerned, Sylva remains the most popular. And his popularity is growing.

Recently, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly publicly endorsed his candidature; the Bayelsa Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, declared support for him; students of Bayelsa origin under the aegis of Bayelsa Student Forum (BSF) expressed their support, and the market women and other ordinary Bayelsans, through little gestures and by their ballot papers, seem ready to elect him again. If the other candidates are on ground in Bayelsa, they must know this. I wonder which joker they intend to spring.

While one of the candidates is expecting a ‘nod’ from top party hierarchy, it seems the others merely want to test their popularity. There is nothing wrong with that. But, the wishes of Bayelsans must never be mortgaged in any ensuing power-play. The internal structure of the PDP is getting set for a keen contest in the state.

But watchers are in the know that the ‘war’ is also being influenced by the extraneous factors. The media has also reported varying allegations of intrigues and wrangling within the party. Chief among kites being flown is that ‘politricks’ could be used. Bayelsa ALGON Chairman, Tiwe Orumiegha, who is also chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government, had said: "We are not ignorant of the devices of our detractors." Orumeigha however had issued a warning that "it is either our party gives us our choice or PDP will be destroyed."

Already, ahead of the primaries, Mr. Dugo James was on Tuesday named as the substantive chairman of Bayelsa State PDP. Some sources had hinted that the change in leadership was to pave way for an ‘anointed’ candidate of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Also working against Sylva is calumny in the media to run him down. This move is going to be difficult to succeed. Hence, there is need for caution by all parties. But, most importantly, opponents of Sylva in Bayelsa must learn from the Arab Spring that it is best to listen to the voice of the people.

Knowing the ardent support which Sylva has among his followers, it might be tough ruling out violence should there be covert moves to scuttle his ambition - an outcome which could jeopardise the peace which the state has been enjoying. It is ironic that violence may be in the offing for Sylva who is an advocate of peace.

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/politics/24514-bayelsa-brewing-violence-against-sylva.html

Tinubu's paper has started whispering sweet nothings into Sylva's ear's?
The rumours about Sylva moving into ACN keep getting stronger.

isn't there a regulatory body for journalists ? especially columnists?
some just spew out suck-up rubbish in the name of articles

Can we have an eye witness account of Sylva's stewardship? The only thing I have heard about him is drug use and being generally a thug.