₦airaland Forum

The December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa state has continued to generate more heated confrontations between the two leading parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Following reports that the ruling party in the state has approached the Federal High Court to institute legal action against the APC candidate, Timipre Sylva, seeking his disqualification, the Sylva/ Igiri campaign organization has fired back at the ruling party in the state.

In the suit, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson & ANOR Vs Chief Timipre Sylva & Ors obtained on Friday, November 6, the plaintiffs, the PDP are asking the court to determine whether Sylva is qualified to contest as a candidate in the light of the provisions of Section 182 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

The PDP noted that Section 182 (1) (b) states that no person shall be qualified for election to the office of governor of a state if “he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections.”

According to Chief Serena Dokubo Spiff, the acting state chairman of the PDP, legal action by the party is aimed at checking what it regarded as “recourse to impunity and disregard to law and order.”

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, at the weekend declared that he has no personal problem with the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the December 5 governorship election in the state, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Dickson pledged to award a contract for the construction of Brass/Nembe road if re-elected for a second term.

The road leads to Okpoama, the community of Sylva.

Dickson, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the election, spoke when he took his community-based campaign tour to Sylva’s country home.

He assured them of his administration’s resolve to award the multi billion Naira Nembe/Brass Road during the first quarter of 2016, if re-elected for a second term in office.

He said the award of the contract would add to the ongoing Ogbia/Nembe road project and other developmental work in the area.

Dickson, who was received by the Okpoama Council of Chiefs, commended the people of the area for their support.

He said the reception was a testimony that the people of Brass local government area were in support of the PDP-led administration.

Dickson said the Brass/Nembe road would be given due attention as to enable his administration achieve its policy of exploring the Atlantic Ocean to enhance socio-economic development.

According to him, clearing and sand-filling would be done as soon as the project is awarded to a competent contractor.

Speaking on the State Maritime Academy sited in Okpoma by the present administration, Dickson expressed concern that the institution had yet to function as expected because of financial constraints.

He explained that his administration went into partnership with the Polish government, noting that the application for the project was not successful.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), recorded another defeat on yesterday as over 2,000 youths from Ekeremor Local Government, the home base of its governorship Campaign Director, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri declared their support for the incumbent governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Describing the achievements of the governor in the various sectors of the economy as unprecedented, the youth under the aegis of EKELGA Federated Youths Worldwide in a statement signed by its President, Orugo Kuro Robert among others said this necessitated their action.
Governor Dickson, according to the statement has been able to prove the doubting Thomases wrong with his numerous achievements, especially in the areas of security, Health, Education, infrastructure to mention but few.
The statement reads: “After due consultation with major youth leaders in the local government, we unanimously endorsed Hon. Seriake Dickson for second term in office as the governor of Bayelsa State.
“Having considered the developmental strides of the governor in his first term in office, especially the Sagbama/Ekeremor Senatorial District road and other key projects that are on-going in the area, the youth council, therefore, agreed to support the governor in his second term bid in order to enable him complete the projects.”
The foremost youth body, therefore, called on the entire youth body in the area to come out enmasse and vote for the governor come December 5, 2015.
The group also stressed the need for the youth to defend their votes by ensuring that it counts.
…As Yenizue-gene, Biogbolo, Opolo communities say no alternative to Dickson
Residents and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Yenizue-gene, Biogbolo and Opolo communities in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa State yesterday declared their total support for the re-election bid of Governor Seriake Dickson.
Making the declaration during the governor’s ongoing community-to- community campaign visit to the areas, members of the various communities who came out in their hundreds said they were impressed with the performance of Governor Dickson in his close to four years in office.
According to them, Governor Dickson remains one of the few governors in the country that never compromise standard nor play politics with the development.
On assumption of office close to four years ago, he made its position known of his readiness to transform Yenagoa, the capital city and he has been able to achieve this by turning the entire state to construction sites.
They posited further that if given another four years term, the governor will surpass his first term record. This is our major reason for supporting his second term bid.
Members of the community thanked the governor for the feat recorded in the area of security, saying that people now sleep with their two eyes closed.
While in Opolo community, its traditional ruler, Chief Richard Ayabodie thanked the governor for the appointment of one of his subjects, Mr. Oforji Oboku as the Chairman of the State Environmental Sanitation Authority.
Calling on the governor for the upgrading of the internal roads in the state capital, Chief Oboku said it would ease the human and vehicular movements in the state capital.
His words: “as you step on Opolo soil, nothing shall hinder you from achieving your set goal of winning the forthcoming election.
In Opolo, the governor was decorated with a white wrapper and presented with a sword which symbolizes readiness for the battle ahead.
Restating his commitment to the development of the state, at Yenizue-gene, Governor Dickson made a donation of N2.5m to support the completion of the community auditorium and promised to do more when re-elected.
Also, at Biogbolo community, the governor announced a donation of N2m to assist the community in the construction of a bridge linking their farmlands to facilitate the movement of their farm produce to the nearest market.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for disclosing the economic status of the country.

Dickson urged Bayelsa people to brace for the harsh financial situation facing the state.
He spoke at a meeting with the new Special Advisers at Government House, Yenagoa, a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said on Thursday.

The governor said the way out of the present economic doldrums is diversification from oil and gas sector of the economy.

Dickson said, “Already, you are all aware of the statement by the President that our country is in a very dire financial situation. That comment has attracted a lot of criticisms, but I agree with the president that Nigerians are entitled to know the true state of the economy.

“Investors who want to do business in Nigeria are entitled to know the true state of our economy. Let me use this opportunity to call on all Bayelsans to listen to what the President has said that the entire country is broke.

“He has made us to understand that the financial situation that we are managing is a national phenomenon. It is not peculiar to Bayelsa.

“For the allocation of last month, the Federation Account Allocation Committee could not meet until the past month because they didn’t have money to share to the state and even when they met for the first time since I took over as governor, states have started getting zero allocation.

“I don’t know why people are blaming the president for saying that our country is broke because that is the truth about the economy. States can’t pay salaries, we can’t meet our basic responsibilities. I can’t pay allowances to myself and my staff.

“However, even in the midst of that we are managing to pay salaries. Even in this terrible month, we’ve directed that by Monday salaries of workers should be paid.”

He charged his appointees to bring their wealth of experience to bear in the present administration’s efforts to consolidate on its achievements.

According to him, the new aides are coming into government at a crucial moment of election and therefore, urged them to join forces with other critical stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party to mobilise support for the party in the forthcoming election.

He asked them to work closely with the state economic team to resuscitate the Bayelsa Palm Limited as the future of the state economy rests on agriculture, industrial development and tourism.

The newly sworn in appointees are Chief Lambert Ototo, Special Adviser on Agriculture and Mr. Olaitari Ikemike, Special Adviser on Industrial Development.

Ekeki Youth Leaders, Chiefs and Women applauds Gov.Dickson for his determination toward infrastructural development in the state,for declaring a state of emergency on the education sector in State, implementing free and compulsory primary and secondary education in Bayelsa State.and also for taking an uncompromising stand against cultism and outlawing all cult fraternities in Bayelsa State.
"We are grateful to you, I was shocked when my little daughter came back from school with uniforms, sandals, textbooks and school bag, you are truly a talk Na do Governor, as long as we are concerned, Ekeki is for PDP, you don't even need to campaign here, we are for you, we will vote for you again to continue your good works"
" For the first time in the history of Bayelsa State a governor is building 25 constituency secondary schools also unknown as mega/model schools across the state"
" We gave some people this the same opportunity but they failed to give us the dividend of democracy"
"No community in Bayelsa will say they have not gotten any thing from your administration"
"We will vote for you so that we will continue to close our two eyes and sleep"
"We will vote for you so that our sisters and daughters can move freely day and night in the streets of Yenagoa without been harass or rape, thank you"

The chances of Governor Seriake Dickson winning the December 5, 2015 governorship poll became brighter at the weekend in Yenagoa as over 2,000 members of the leading opposition party, All Progressives Congress, (APC) led by Senator John Brambaifa and Chief Alex Ekiotene made their way back to the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP).

The returnees defied a heavy downpour, as they thronged the venue of the event, Peace Park, Yenagoa to show their solidarity and support, describing the APC as a party of impostors.

The group known as, Forum of Authentic APC Delegates said, members were hoodwinked to join the party, but later discovered that they had taken a wrong decision, especially with what transpired during the conduct of the party’s governorship primaries held at the mainbowl of Samson Siasia Sports Complex.

Members of the group are staunch supporters of one of the governorship aspirants of the party, Mr. Timi Alaibe, who was later persuaded to step down for the former governor and now the governorship aspirant of the party, Chief Timipre Sylva.

In a welcome address presented by its Chairman, Amos Iduotu Soko said the choice of Sylva as the governorship candidate of APC could be best described as the last straw that broke the camel’s back.

Describing the APC primaries, which led to the emergence of Sylva as a charade, he said “what was supposed to be a peaceful, credible, free and fair party primary was turned into a blood bath”

The address reads, ‘Governor Adams Oshiomole true to type, rejected the charade and sham that was styled as a party primary and so the first exercise was nullified. For the second and last exercise, which took place on the 29th of August, 2015, the leading aspirant, Chief Timi Alaibe was asked by the authorities from above to step down for their anointed candidate.

“It was indeed a sad and sorrowful day for the over 2,000 delegates, who had signed up to pick Timi Alaibe as the candidate of the APC. Since that day it has been mourning all the way as if the creator of Bayelsa state died that day.

“We must salute the wisdom of Alaibe for refusing to be part of a possible blood bath in the second exercise had he instructed us to proceed to the venue and as he said finally while addressing the mammoth crowd of delegates at Opokuma and I quote, ‘my children are not here, so why should I be part of a process that will inexonerably lead to the loss of lives of young Bayelsans.

Following the unacceptable travesty of internal democracy and in view of the fact that the so called winner see every other person as conquered people, the Forum of Authentic APC delegates has decided to support Governor Dickson in the next election.

In his address, Senator John Brambaifa said, this is home coming for where everybody will be proud, noting that, there is no doubt that victory will be achieved on the December 5th governorship poll.

‘I have come here to endorse Governor Seriake Dickson as the governor of Bayelsa state come 2016. I stand here to say without any doubt that I Senator J.K. Brambaifa support that decision.’

Receiving the returnees, the national vice-chairman, South-South of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Cairo Ojugho directed that they should be re-admitted and revert to their former positions, adding that this must be backed up with necessary documentation.

Describing the PDP as the only party with democratic values, Dr. Ojougbo said the party is not ready to concede defeat to any party as the South-south remains the home base of the PDP.

Calling on the Judiciary and Independent National Electoral Commission to always be fair in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities, he said that, it was on record that the two bodies performed creditably well under the PDP leadership at the national level.

What is being adjudged as free and fair election worldwide today took place under the leadership of the PDP.

Also, the Acting state chairman of the party, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff assured the returnees of the cooperation of the leadership of the party, adding that, the needful would be done to re-integrate them into the fold.

According to him, no matter the level of dissenting voices and differences the unity of the Ijaw nation could never be destroyed.

Speaking in the same vein, the Director-General of the Restoration Campaign Organisation, Hon Fred Agbedi said the return of all those who left the party has just begun, describing the decision of Senator Brambaifa and others as the best.

Elated with joy, the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson who defied the downpour by dancing round the venue said, the action of the former APC members has sounded the death knell of the APC in Bayelsa State, adding that, some of them were key leaders, who led the mass movement to the opposition party.

Acknowledging the contributions of the returnees, while they were in the PDP, Governor Dickson said their coming back would go a long way in filling the vacuum created by the demise of the first civilian governor of the state, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha.

He said the returnees were not just delegates, but were officers of the APC in their various wards and local government areas, stating that, the party failed to comply with the rules and guidelines of INEC by conducting ward delegates election.

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has reiterated his call on all supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to continually keep the peace in the face of increasing provocative attacks by the opposition.

The governorship election in the state holds on December 5. Dickson made the call at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre yesterday while declaring open, the Bayelsa State Solemn Assembly, which is one of the major activities lined up for this year’s edition of the state’s annual Thanksgiving Day celebration.

The Governor noted that baseless vitriolic statements and propaganda being dished out, especially from the camp of the main opposition, showed that the party was not only envious of the popular support PDP enjoyed in the state, but was also hell-bent on achieving their ambition through the back door.

He urged PDP faithful and its sympathisers to disregard claims that the Federal Government would deploy its agencies to work in favour of the opposition. Dickson, who was full of appreciation to God for His mercies and supremacy over the affairs of men, enjoined them to remain steadfast in their support as no level of manipulation could set aside what was divinely determined.

The Bayelsa helmsman, who arrived the venue of the event at about 7:20pm from the PDP community-to-community campaign, which was flagged off with a visit to the Atissa communities in the Yenagoa Local Government Area, maintained that the outpouring of love and solidarity demonstrated by the people reinforces his belief that the party would win the forthcoming election overwhelmingly.

While thanking Bayelsans for their understanding and cooperation, Dickson urged the Church and all people of goodwill, both within and outside the state to continually pray for the peaceful conduct of the election, stressing the need for all stakeholders to . by the rules of the game as “no ambition is worth the blood of anybody.”

He also called on Bayelsans to use the period of thanksgiving to deeply reflect on the goodness of God upon the state and their lives with a view to giving the Lord quality thanks offering. Drawing his exhortation from Psalm 136, Pastor Dotimi Amatari of the Up Up Jesus Church, Jos in Plateau State, enjoined the congregation not to see thanksgiving as a burden, but rather as an act that when properly handled unlocks further blessings.

Pastor Amatari, who lauded the Dickson-led administration for setting aside November 2nd every year for State thanksgiving, described the Law establishing it as the first of its kind in the history of the country and a legacy that would outlive the Restoration Government.

Apparently worried by the built-up tension in the Niger Delta, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson, has embarked on a tour of the region for different peace meetings with critical stakeholders, THISDAY gathered on Monday.

An insider said the governor had urged the ex-militants and other emerging agitators in the Niger Delta to embrace peace, and to always seek non-violent conflict resolution mechanisms as a way of addressing perceived grievances as it was in the interest of the Ijaws for the nation to be stable.

According to the source who pleaded anonymity, ‘’The governor who has been having clandestine meetings across the six Ijaw states, was in Delta State weekend. He urged them to work for Nigeria’s unity. And that they should see Nigeria’s unity and stability in the Ijaw national interest.

‘’He told them that they should see whatever imperfections of the federation as sacrifice every group has to make for the stability of the country. The governor told them that whatever the issues were, they must choose dialogue above every other means of redressing wrongs.’’

The People Democratic Party (PDP) has warned President Mohammad Buhari against injustice and undemocratic attitudes.

The former ruling party gave this warning in a statement signed by Prof. Adewale Oladipo after a meeting on Thursday in Abuja

The PDP caucus, while reviewing the political developments in the nation’s polity, stressed that it would not allow the ruling party manipulate the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States.


Listing its concerns, PDP said “That there is serious cause for concern in the nation’s political environment, especially as it concerns the survival of the nation’s democracy.

“That the gains recorded in the 16 years of nurturing of democracy in the country by the PDP is rapidly being eroded with non-functioning of basic tenets of democracy and perpetuation of actions tilting towards dictatorship.

“That the insensitivity of the ruling government to very critical issues being raised by the opposition is a huge threat to viable democracy and dangerous to the peace, unity and progress of the country.

“That the undue interferences by the executive arm of government on the activities of the judiciary, legislature and INEC using the Department of States Services (DSS) is clearly unacceptable to the PDP as well as the Nigerian people and the party resolved to vigorously resist such.


“That the party finds it offensive and provocative, the judiciary’s handling of cases involving it in election tribunals in some states, particularly, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Taraba, Ogun, Plateau and Lagos states.

“That The tainted judgments of these tribunals, which are evidently products of arm-twisting from the nation’s security operatives under the direct command of an APC member remains unacceptable to us.


“The PDP states that the conclusive evidence of external influence on the Rivers State governorship election tribunal is the fact that it was able to deliver its judgment within 24 hours, in a case that had nearly 100 witnesses, 1000 pieces of documentary evidences and nine counsel’s final written addresses; each not less than 40 pages.”

“The decision, in view of the rather interesting history of the case, indicates that the judiciary, like the PDP and the Nigerian electorate are victims of the APC-led Federal Government.

“The party expects the judiciary, as an institution to restore its image by taking immediate measures to protect itself from political interferences as well as ensure that needed steps are taken at the appellate levels to remedy the embarrassing ruling by some of the election petitions tribunals.

“The party has also noted clandestine moves by the APC to use various agencies of government, to manipulate the processes and rig the outcome of the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states in their favour and vowed to deploy every means within the law to resist such.

“That the party calls on President Muhammadu Buhari, as the leader of the country, to stand up for justice and equity and halt the undemocratic attitudes of agents of government in the interest of peace and stability.

“Furthermore, we salute the courage and unity of purpose of our senators especially as demonstrated in the Senate chambers today in their collective stand against impunity and corruption, in line with the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian people. The PDP states that what the APC senators did today is a death knell on their party’s pretentious war against corruption.

“The PDP further notes that whilst former APC governors are being rewarded with ministerial appointments, their PDP counterparts are being hounded and harassed in the selective war against corruption.”

ABUJA—The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, yesterday, expunged some paragraphs of the petition that led to the annulment of the April 11 governorship election that brought Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to power.
In a judgment it delivered, a three-man panel of Justices of the Appeal Court headed by Justice Datti Yahaya, struck out portions of the petition alleging that security agents were used to rig the election in favour of Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The decision of the appellate court followed an interlocutory appeal that was lodged before it by the APC and its governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

Both APC and Peterside had gone before the court to challenge the ruling of the previous chairman of the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal panel, Justice Muazu Pindiga, which deleted paragraphs of the petition containing criminal allegations against unnamed security operatives.

Justice Pindiga, who was subsequently removed from presiding over the petition by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, based his decision on the fact that the petitioners failed to join the said security agents and other persons it said participated in the alleged electoral fraud as parties to the suit.

Among those that the APC alleged masterminded the rigging of election in Rivers State included wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience.

But, dissatisfied with the ruling of the lower tribunal, the petitioners took the matter before the appellate court.

While upholding the decision of the tribunal yesterday, the appeal court held that paragraphs of the petition containing allegations of electoral crime against named and unnamed security agents and alleged political thugs should be expunged from the record of the tribunal.

The court stressed that the petitioners ought to have joined the accused security agents and political thugs as parties to the petition.

Specifically, the court directed that evidences that were led against security agents and political thugs, whether named or unnamed, in the course of hearing of the petition against Wike, where the said security agents and alleged political thugs were not joined as parties, should be struck out.

The Court of Appeal further directed that all the criminal allegations contained in the petition against the said security agents and alleged political thugs be expunged as they had no opportunity to defend themselves at the tribunal.

The court held that in cases where criminal allegations were made against institutions, agents and individuals, the law required that in the interest of justice, they should be joined as parties to the matter.

Other members of the appeal court panel that delivered the judgment were Justices Tanim Yusuf and Mustapha Mohammed.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State yesterday threatened to petition the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over alleged plan by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP administration of Governor Seriake Dickson to divert N45billion loan procured for the state Airport project.

But the PDP led government dismissed the claim as untrue declaring that it does not need to divert loan to fund its campaign.

According to the APC, the alleged plan to divert the N45billion Airport loan was being masterminded with the project contractor to tamper with the terms of the loan and remove the clause on the presentation of milestone certificate needed to access the fund.

The APC, through Chief Nathan Egba, the Director of Publicity for the Sylva/Igiri Campaign Organisation, said though the earlier alarm raised by the party was to the effect that the Governor Seriake Dickson administration had planned to procure a N12.5billion loan through the approval of the State House of Assembly, the recent disclosure on the N45billion loan diversion was a self confession from the PDP.

Egba said, “The burning issue of a fresh loan the present administration is trying to take, ostensibly to be used for their PDP campaigns and forthcoming elections. The initial information we had, was the N2.5billion naira and the N10billion the PDP government was trying to structure through the State House of Assembly. But as you are all aware, the government has admitted they are in fact targeting about N45billion naira instead.

“Their claim is that this is an already approved loan, but what they did not tell Bayelsa people and indeed, the whole world, is that they have tampered with the original terms of the contract on the Airport project to pave way for them to draw on the loan. They have committed Bayelsa to this whooping amount of N45billion naira for the Airport project, on the condition that the contractor will draw on the presentation of milestone certificate.

“However, as everybody in Bayelsa State knows, not only has the project comes to a halt but the site has been overwhelmed by flood waters. Consequently, there can not be milestone certificate to be presented for the contractor to draw from the loan to enable the outgoing Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson and his party, the PDP, to fund their elections expenses.

“So, what do they do? They got together with the contractor to alter the terms, remove the clause that stipulate milestone certificate as condition to draw down. This now gives them opportunity to freely draw from the loan unhindered. With the claim, they want to pay the contractor but in fact, such monies will now be used to kick start their campaign which has been moribund due to lack of funds occasioned by the inability of the Governor to effectively manage state finances.”

He warned that the APC have alerted the operatives of the EFCC and are monitoring the situation as they unfold.

But the Chairman of the State Media Team of the Restoration Campaign Organisation of the Governor, Barrister Esueme Dan-Kikile, dismissed the claim by the APC and declared that the PDP does not need to divert loan to fund its campaign.

His words, “we do not need any loan to fund our campaign. We will not even use it. The Airport project is one of the flag ship of this administration because it will create a new economic status for the state.

“The Airport project is over 60 percent completed. What we are asking the APC is to focus their campaigns on what they have done in the past. We also know that APC is a party founded on propaganda.”

About 5000 people in Oloibiri area of Bayelsa State have benefitted from a health outreach organised by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) Joint Venture, in furtherance of its Health-in-Motion campaign.
Bamidele Odugbesan, spokesperson of SPDC, said the company, while working closely with the Bayelsa State Government, Ogbia Local Government Council and other partners, took the comprehensive health outreach to 18 communities, giving the beneficiaries dental and eye care/surgery, screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and malaria, HIV/AIDS counseling and testing, immunisation, pharmaceutical and laboratory services, as well as treatment for chronic and minor ailments.
“SPDC also used the outreaches to create awareness on the Oloibiri Health Programme, a Shell-sponsored three-year initiative that is expected to promote universal health coverage, strengthen existing health systems, establish learning and operations research and enhance the social determinants of health in Oloibiri field communities”, Odugbesan said.
Dr. Ayibatonye Owei, commissioner for health, Bayelsa State, who flagged off the outreach at Ogbia town, de-wormed children and presented long lasting insecticide treated nets to pregnant women;
“This health programme Shell is implementing in Ogbia Local Government Areas is most commendable, as no other oil company has done such a thing in Bayelsa State, despite many years of oil extraction”, Owei said.
At Kolo Creek communities, the traditional ruler, Agholo of Agholo, HRH N.D. Amakuro, expressed joy at the diverse health professionals providing quality service to the people and said he was happy at the implementation of the Oloibiri Health Programme, adding that the Kolo General Hospital was earmarked to serve as the secondary facility/referral centre for the programme.
Mrs. Oremediepre, a once active woman leader in the community who was diagnosed with severe myopia (short sightedness) for several years, received spectacles to correct her condition. “Today, I can see well”, she said. “I am grateful and will always remember Shell for this”.
Dr. Akinwumi Fajola, the SPDC’s regional community health manager, said, “the welcome in Oloibiri has been very warm. I’ve been involved in the Health-In-Motion programme since it began in 2009, and the gratitude and smiles of beneficiaries is enough reward for all the planning and hard work. SPDC has demonstrated tremendous care for the health of the people through the programme.”
The SPDC JV has supported community health projects in the Niger Delta since the 1980s, with equipment and pharmaceutical donations, as well as construction of hospitals and implementation of malaria and HIV/AIDs control programmes.

....Sylva killed Bayelsa with loans
.....bequeathed a debt of N332 billion
…why Bayelsans don’t want him return
It was a bizarre tale at a recent mega rally in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, when it was revealed how the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Timipre Sylva, ruined the state economy through massive corruption and abuse of power as governor between 2007 and 2011.
The revelation came from the Secretary of Bayelsa Solidarity Forum, Comrade James Ebipade, who led the forum to the rally where over 400 other non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) gathered to raise awareness on why Sylva’s bid to return to power should be rejected by the people.
The rally, tagged “Operation Reject Sylva and APC”, was staged under the banner of the Save Bayelsa Movement.
In a statement released at the end of the rally, Ebipade revealed that between 2007 and 2011 when Sylva was governor, he received a total of N708, 895, 925 as allocations from the Federation Account.
This amount, he stated, was not inclusive of the bond and several loans his administration got but never utilized as expected.
The Federal Ministry of Finance also observed that Annual Audited Financial Statements of the years under review were not made available for our review. Hence, this prevented us from capturing inflows/receipts from internal loans and borrowings which were not filled in the template. This inability to access the State’s loan exposure indicated doubt over accountability.
The Federal Ministry states further “In 2009 and 2010 fiscal years, the amount expended on recurrent expenditure exceeded the total annual revenue by 40% and 25%. It was observed that the overhead cost and local loan servicing consumed the largest percentage (64.42% or N417.814 billion) of the aggregate recurrent expenditure. This implies the State must have taken loans to service its recurrent expenditure putting its financial management police and overall growth in conspicuous jeopardy”
In the statement, Ebipade also revealed that in the period under review, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state stood at N22,02 billion, raising the total accruals to the Sylva administration to a staggering N780,915, 925.
Out of this amount, it was further revealed, only N68 billion was spent on capital expenditure just as it was claimed by the forum that in spite of the huge resources, there was nothing to show for the allocations received as well as the bonds and loans.
“There was absolutely no accountability”, he stated.
The forum bemoaned the financial recklessness of Sylva, noting that recurrent expenditure under him as governor was N648,512, 509, which it claimed indicated that the former governor spent less than N60 billion for capital projects, which in most cases were awarded at over-bloated values.
In the light of the revelations, the forum said it would be a disaster if Sylva was allowed to return to the Government House and why the various NGOs had to come together to sensitize the general public on the inherent evils of the APC’s candidate’s agenda which must not be allowed to hold in the state.
“Bayelsans naturally have the right to wonder and ask whether this is the kind of change Sylva and APC want to bring back into government in the state. And if not, whether the welfare of Bayelsans is of no consequence to them? Otherwise, why must Sylva now seek to return Bayelsa to the days of the locust?”, the forum asked.
Ebipade opined that the situation was so bad that when the incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson, took over the mantle of leadership, the state appeared like a waste land with the added burden of having to spend a huge part of the state resources to service inherited debts.
“So why does Sylva still want to come back? Why does a man who was not thought fit to be a minister think he is fit to be governor of Bayelsa State? Does he think Bayelsans are such gluttons for punishment or are possessed of such short memories that they will allow him to further inflict on them those regrettable wasted years?”, the forum stated.

Ahead of the upcoming governorship election in Bayelsa state, Governor Seriake Dickson has revealed what he intends to do after the results have been announced.

Speaking during a live radio and television interview programme monitored in Yenagoa on Saturday, October 24, and reported by The Punch, Dickson said he was ready to abide by the verdict of the upcoming election.

He said: “You are the masters of your communities. Vote, stay there until the results are declared in every unit. I am willing to abide by your verdict. I have spent the past couple of years, providing service and leadership in the circumstances that we have found ourselves.

“I believe that this election is a referendum on what we have done and it’s also a referendum on who you are. The whole world is also waiting to see where you will stand as a proud Ijaw man or woman with all these developmental efforts

“This election is beyond me. This election is essentially about you, it is about your honor, respect and dignity and most importantly it is about your future.”

Dickson also called on Bayelsans not to allow themselves to be intimidated in their various communities, assuring them that their votes would count as all efforts are being made by the state and federal government to ensure the election is free and fair.

He said: “We have received assurances from the Federal Government that the upcoming election would be free and fair as a combined team of special police mobile squad and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), would be deployed in the state to conduct the election.

“There will be no molestation. I like to use this opportunity to assure you that you will be safe. Don’t allow the criminals and the ungodly to intimidate you from doing what is right.

“Feel free to vote according to your conscience. You will not only vote; your votes will count. This election is a single election and the whole nation and international observers will be here and voting will take place in your communities.”

Some days ago, the PDP alleged foul play ahead of the polls, saying the APC had plans to rig the election. But in a swift response, Sylva’s campaign organisation accused the PDP and its governoship candidate Dickson of planning to create mayhem in the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the governorship elections in Bayelsa state will be held on December 5.

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been described as a home for the Ijaw nation and that both are inseparable.
Giving an insight into how his party would have an upper hand in the next governorship election in the state, the Chairman of Bayelsa State chapter of the party, Chief David Ferema Dokubo-Spiff in an exclusive interview with The Guardian over the weekend at his country home in Yenagoa, disclosed that the total population of the state belonged to the party, boasting that and it would sweep the December 5 poll.
“Bayelsa State is 100 per cent PDP, and it is the party of the Ijaw nation. That position has not changed, not even by the fact that we lost power at the centre. It is true that there have been certain rumours. It is true that a number of our members are thinking differently from our original concept, but many have said that they are defectors, but I call them distracted brethren of ours.
“They are distracted because what they are doing is not based on any definite ideological concept, but they are doing it.”

REVEALED: HOW TIMIPRE SILVA STRUCK A DEAL WITH MEMBERS OF VIKINGS CONFRATERNITY TO RIPPLE BAYELSA ELECTIONS WITH VIOLENCE

its been revealed how the former bayelsa state governor plans to mar bayelsa state elections with violence as one of the hench men of the vikings confraternity revealed yesterday after police raided their den in yenagoa.

the leader of the cult group that was apprehended yesterday however disclosed the secret meeting held with the former bayelsa state governor who promised to "give them the state"
once the mandate was given to him.

he also gave them the sum of 2billion naira, while dispatching the venues and phone numbers of the inec representatives that the federal government has planned to dispatch to various constituencies.

the former bayelsa state governor is so desperate for power that it was also revealed he sent some of his personal delgates to the state CID to solicit for the release of these deadly cultists yesterday, however it was revealed the delegates were turned down, thanks to the sanity of the nigerian police force.

however bayelsans, i urge you to be wise come december 5th, ask yourselves why he wants to come back? what has he not destroyed yet in this state? why dont he just settle for a ministerial position as same state had rejected him about 4 years ago?

bayelsans be wise!

The Bayelsa State has commissioned the first microfinance bank in the state.

Known as Izon-Ibe Microfinance, the bank is located at Azikoro Road in Yenagoa, the state capital.

State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has officially opened the bank.

Speaking during the commissioning of the bank, Dickson said the bank would provide the needed assistance to both budding and established businesses in the state.

“This is an epoch event,” said Dickson.

He pointed out the Izon-Ibe microfinance bank was the first state owned microfinance bank, open to all Izon people and all those living and doing business in Bayelsa.

The bank also has branches in all the local government areas and Dickson said he would be commissioning them in the course of his campaign tour ahead of elections before the end of the year.

The Governor dedicated the sum of N25 million as start-up for each of the branches in the local government areas.

He urged people transacting business with the state government, traders and market people to make the most of the bank.

“This is a great opportunity. I urge all traders and market people to make this your bank.

Civil servants and pensioners in the state have been encouraged to open accounts at the banks to ensure ease of payment.

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and his predecessor, Chief Timipre Sylva who are locked in combat in the forthcoming election were yesterday engaged in a war of words over who performed better as governor.

Chief Timipre Sylva, who governed the state between 2007 and 2011, has also described as “dangerous meddlesomeness” the alleged sponsorship of bias and fictitious reports against the APC by the PDP led administration. He affirmed that the action has shown that the PDP lacks variable campaign strategy for the forth coming governorship poll.

Dickson, on his part, described the claims of the former governor and APC candidate as laughable saying the APC is a house of commotion without a campaign strategy.
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Dickson, Sylva trade words over performance
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Thu Oct 22nd, 2015 - Bayelsa
 

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and his predecessor, Chief Timipre Sylva who are locked in combat in the forthcoming election were yesterday engaged in a war of words over who performed better as governor.

Chief Timipre Sylva, who governed the state between 2007 and 2011, has also described as “dangerous meddlesomeness” the alleged sponsorship of bias and fictitious reports against the APC by the PDP led administration. He affirmed that the action has shown that the PDP lacks variable campaign strategy for the forth coming governorship poll.

Dickson, on his part, described the claims of the former governor and APC candidate as laughable saying the APC is a house of commotion without a campaign strategy.


Sylva and Dickson

The Dickson campaign organisation, the Restoration Campaign Organisation, in a statement signed by the Director of Publicity, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, said the claims by the Timipre Sylva Campaign Organisation that the PDP does not have any tangible achievement to campaign with ahead of the December 5 poll is laughable.

According to Obuebite, “it is Sylva that does not have what to campaign with.”

Obuebite said, “while the PDP had set up its campaign secretariat and structures several weeks back, it is now the APC is trying to do same with so much controversy still trailing its last governorship primary and the selection of a running mate for its candidate.”

He added that the orgy of violence and gangsterism that characterised the tenure of Sylva and the seeming suspicion of Bayelans would make the APC look stupid when they begin their campaign as most communities where their terror machine once scared people would reject them.

Obuebite, who served as member of the State House of Assembly, called on those serving on the Sylva Campaign Organization to first seek the forgiveness of God and apologise to Bayelsans over his misdeeds before attempting to seek their mandate.

“Dickson’s overwhelming performance since he came on board has already given him a higher advantage as his victory is already sure,” he said.

Governor Henry Seriake Dickson ,who is visiting the famous American University Lincoln today endorsed an additional MOU that would help Bayelsans receive quality education directly from this institution.

To reciprocate the guesture,the University has announced read more http://bayelsaunited4dickson.com/gov-dickson-signs-mou-with-lincoln-varsity-lincoln-university-reciprocates-by-awarding-scholarships-to-bayelsa-students/

Governor Henry Seriake Dickson ,who is visiting the famous American University Lincoln today endorsed an additional MOU that would help Bayelsans receive quality education directly from this institution.

To reciprocate the guesture,the University has announced read more http://bayelsaunited4dickson.com/gov-dickson-signs-mou-with-lincoln-varsity-lincoln-university-reciprocates-by-awarding-scholarships-to-bayelsa-students/

The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State took a dramatic twist on Wednesday with its governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, to order the immediate arrest of APC state chairman, Tiwe Oruminighe.

Oruminghe is believed to be the person behind the recurring protests at the party secretariat and Sylva has moved fast to put a stop to it.

Since Sylva named an 80 year old retired educationist, Wilberforce Igiri, as his running mate, there had been protests at the APC secretariat allegedly sponsored by Oruminighe, causing faceoff between him and the candidate.

The Bayelsa APC chairman was said to have been promised the slot of running mate by Sylva but later reneged.

According to a reliable source, Sylva’s request for the arrest of Oruminighe was contained in a letter to the IG, stating the repeated protests, destruction of properties at the party secretariat and the danger to public peace.

The party chairman was also accused of planning to further sponsor a mass protest against the candidature of Sylva, purportedly on the premise of anti-corruption protest to call for the former governor to be dropped as candidate.

Sylva has allegedly claimed in the letter that the planned protest was a plot to disturb the peace in the state.

“What is playing out is normal in politics. Sylva is only engaging in power show. You recall Sylva promised Tiwe the deputy slot but why not fulfill his promise? So you can see that Tiwe is only protesting that action and it will surely continue no matter the call for arrest.

“His deadly boys, about 1000 armed boys, are slated for the planned protest and it will be difficult for anybody to stop it because of their leader, Tiwe,” a source disclosed.

However, supporters loyal to Tiwe have debunked Sylva’s claim, saying that the planned protest would be peaceful and mainly to call on the EFCC and President Buhari to stop the APC from fielding Sylva as candidate in the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State.

They stated that their concern was in the interest of the party as fielding Sylva in their estimation will spell doom for the party at the polls.

Another source among Tiwe’s supporters, however, informed our reporter that the objective of the protest was also to checkmate Sylva as he was said to be “desperate” to rid Tiwe of his chairmanship of the party in the state.

“We are prepared to resist every move to short-change our chairman after all he (Tiwe) has done to support Sylva in clinching the governorship ticket”, the source claimed.

Meanwhile, a faction of APC supporters loyal to the governorship aspirant, TimI Alaibe, was said to have indicated interest in supporting the PDP candidate, the incumbent Seriake Dickson.

Sources hinted the faction told party leaders at a recent meeting that its action was necessitated by the emergence of Sylva as candidate which, it claimed, had effectively shut out other key interest groups in the race.

“Now that the APC has succumbed to Sylva, Bayelsans have a right to wonder whether this is the kind of change the party promised Nigerians. And if not, whether the welfare of Bayelsans is of no consequence? Why must the APC now seek to restore Bayelsa to a state of anarchy where warlords now have full reign?” he asked.

While awaiting the worst, Oruminighe and his supporters are believed to be on top of the protest plan to hold in Yenagoa, the state capital early next week.

Among inscriptions on their already prepared placards which our reporter saw were issues on Sylva as liability to the APC, bothering on lack of performance in his 5-year sojourn as governor, diversion of money for civil servants salaries, N300 billion World Bank Agric loan, N3 billion MDG funds, N125 billion bond wastes and a legacy of high profile debt.

A socio-political organisation, Ijaw Youths Democratic Association (IYDI), has raised the alarm that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State is allegedly stockpiling weapons and recruiting cultists with a view to unleashing mayhem on innocent citizens to rig the forthcoming governorship election in its favour.

The group also claimed that APC was plotting to use violence, intimidation and various federal agencies, including security personnel to rig the election.

The IYDI in a statement issued on Thursday evening by its President, Ebifagha Timothy and and Secretary-General, Tilly Ekaunkumo, stated that, the APC and its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, were neither campaigning nor setting up any machineries in motion, as a party about to go into an election as close as December 5.

The organisation said APC in the State was busy recruiting cultists from outside the State, who are already attacking and kidnapping innocent Bayelsans, while security positions are also being attacked, with arms being carted away to create an arms base for the cultists preparatory to executing their plans of rigging the elections.

The Ijaw Youths Democratic Association says, the intention of the APC is to carry out massive rigging of the polls, using the armed cultists and force the election umpire to announce the results in their favour, while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP goes to court.

It notes that, such acts of lawlessness and brigandage, if allowed to thrive, would be spelling serious doom for the Nation’s democracy, stressing that, President Muhammadu Buhari, who is a major beneficiary of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s democratic disposition should rise up to the occasion and nip this plan in the bud.

“The only way President Buhari and the APC can demonstrate the change they profess to have enshrined in the polity is for them ensure that, a free, fair and credible election, where every eligible voter in Bayelsa State will be allowed to vote; one man, one vote.

He is a beneficiary of a fair, free and credible election, where the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, even had to call to congratulate him before the final results were announced, so it would be too sad to see him allow an election to be rigged under his watch and so soon too”

The statement also called on the entire people of the State to be alert at all times and not allow themselves or their children and the youths to be used to subvert democracy under any guise, stressing that, no Bayelsan, who mean well for the State should fall prey to the undemocratic and selfish manipulations of the APC in Bayelsa State.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

How a man exercises governmental power, as Abraham Lincoln rightly said, is the best test of a man's character and integrity. This is why the December 5 governorship election is a moment of truth for Bayelsans to decide their future through the ballot.

As the people of Bayelsa prepare to go to the polls in two months' time to elect a new governor that will oversee the affairs of their state for another four years, they must be overly circumspective. Their attitude to this election should be "once bitten; twice shy". Right now, there is so much propaganda to idolize the candidature of Chief Timipre Sylva, the APC flagbearer in the state. One doesn't think the overt propaganda can change the real person or character of Chief Timipre Sylva.

However, one continues to wonder how Chief Timipre Sylva has transformed into an "angel of light" despite all the negative things he has to his name by his five-year stay in office as governor of Bayelsa State. That Chief Timipre Sylva is being eulogized as political messiah of Bayelsa State by some 'respected' Bayelsans only goes to show how corrupted the Ijaw man's ideology of truth has become. While as governor, Chief Timipre Sylva enslaved Bayelsans and reduced the state into a slave plantation. But today, we find the same liberated slaves calling on the 'emperor' to come back to re-enslave them once more. What a sad irony!

Need anyone be reminded how Chief Timipre Sylva used the Operation Famu Tangbei (i.e., kill and cast away operation) 'security' outfit to extrajudicially execute countless Bayelsans in his five-year reign of terror in Bayelsa State? Need anyone be reminded how Chief Timipre Sylva, while governor of Bayelsa State between 2007 and 2012, openly patronized cult fraternities in the state, resulting in incessant inter-cult wars and show of supremacy of violence between and among cult leaders?

Need anyone be reminded how Chief Timipre Sylva reportedly diverted the bond his administration took to satisfy his own frivolous fantasies, thereby defeating the very essence of the bond, the burden of which repayment is being borne by the present administration? Need anyone be reminded how Chief Timipre Sylva embarrassed and disgraced President Muhammadu Buhari when the latter came to campaign in Bayelsa State under the CPC for the 2011 presidential election?
Need any Bayelsan be reminded that violence walked on four legs in their state during Chief Timipre Sylva's administration? Need anyone be reminded how the Chief Timipre Sylva-led Bayelsa State Government, a vital institution of the state whose first constitutional obligation is the security of the citizen, was killing and maiming the very citizens it was meant to protect with the Operation Famu Tangbei in our streets; and on the other hand, watched with clinical gratification the unchecked inter-cult wars in the streets of Yenagoa with the attendant heavy collateral casualties?

That Chief Timipre Sylva is still the same violent man we knew, who approved the callous decimation of lives in Bayelsa State as state chief executive, came to the fore once again at the recent APC governorship primary of September 22. Thugs hired by Chief Timipre Sylva turned the election ground into a battle field of sorts and held the Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, hostage for several hours. For not succumbing to Chief Timipre Sylva's wish for the primary election to be conducted without proper accreditation of delegates, Oshiomhole was called a liar and mischief-maker. Every discerning mind should understand who the liar is between both men because Adams Oshiomhole is a man of integrity, and respected by not a few Nigerians for being highly principled, both as a labour leader and as a governor.
This is the kind of man that is seeking to be given a fresh mandate to govern the people of Bayelsa State. He is a man with a long history of violence and thuggery; a man that has no atom of the fear of God.
Chief Timipre Sylva is a man who has a pathological hatred for the Rule of Law and tramples on fundamental human rights of citizens with criminal impunity. Chief Timipre Sylva is believed to have a long association with hard drugs, a reason for which many drug addicts enjoy a warm relationship with him.
This is the public record of the personality the APC has presented as standard bearer for Bayelsans to cast their votes for. Unless the APC has perfected a plan to rig the results of the December 5 election, I don't see how the party can coast to victory with Chief Timipre Sylva as candidate. The APC must be told this bitter truth. It should not be under any illusions about taking over Bayelsa State.
Although there are unceasing professions of support here and there on the pages of newspapers and in the social media, the truth remains that Chief Timipre Sylva has a leprous leadership record in the state. For the people of Bayelsa State, they have long seen that Chief Timipre Sylva is not a man they can trust.

Therefore, re-electing Chief Timipre Sylva as governor of Bayelsa State is indeed fraught with danger. It will be the gravest political misstep the Ijaw nation can ever make. Admitting that Chief Timipre Sylva's riotous first tenure was an avoidable accident of history (because the PDP ought to have re-run the primary election after Dr. Goodluck Jonathan's nomination as running-mate to late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, and Chief Timipre Sylva didn't secure the required percentage of votes in the election), Bayelsans will be the worse for it should they repeat the same mistake of relinquishing their state to Chief Timipre Sylva.

On a final note, re-electing Chief Timipre Sylva is tantamount to committing a political suicide in the state. One therefore urges all Bayelsans of good conscience to say no to Chief Timipre Sylva with their votes come December 5. It is a historic duty they owe those innocent souls mowed down by the heartless Operation Famu Tangbei operatives commissioned by Chief Timipre Sylva in his first term. Say no to violent leadership; say no to Chief Timipre Sylva, and say no Operation Famu Tangbei part 2!
By: Austin Baribotey

Efforts to reconcile aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State by the leadership of the party have continued to proved abortive.

Already, a schism led by the state Chairman of the party, Tiwe Oruminige, has threatened to mobilise support and ensure that his members vote for the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Governor Seriake Dickson, in the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for December, 5 2015.
The faction had last week in Yenagoa protested against the choice of a retired Permanent Secretary, O. Ogiri, as a running mate to the party’s candidate, Timipre Sylva.

In the protest that lasted for several hours at the APC secretariat along Mbiama/Yenagoa Road, they pulled down Sylva’s billboard, chanting war songs and calling for the immediate replacement of Sylva’s running mate, which was said to have been ratified by the National Working Committee of the party.

To further press home their demands, placards with various inscriptions were displayed during the protest.
Sensing the danger ahead, the NWC summoned a meeting in Abuja to address the issue, but it was deadlocked as the two groups were not ready to shift ground.

A source at the meeting stated that representatives of the Tiwe-led group accused Sylva of betraying his followers, adding that they supported him on his promise that he would pick Tiwe as his running mate.

The agreement was sealed before the APC primaries in Yenagoa.

Other governorship aspirants suffered similar fate as Sylva promised them the governorship ticket before joining the party only for him to renege on the agreement.

A member of the group said they have opened talks with the leadership of the PDP in Bayelsa State.

He said: “We are not ashamed of making what I will describe as progressive U-turn to the PDP. This is politics and it is all about interest. As at the time that we are leaving PDP, we thought of better treatment in APC but it is the other way round.

“We are going to vote enmasse for the PDP even as members of APC. We are going to pay Sylva back in his own coin.
“Some of us have planned to make appearance at Governor Dickson campaign flag off on Saturday and there is no going back. APC and Sylva have failed us and we are saying no to impostor.”

They said they are the agents of change, but who brought about restoration? DICKSON
They said they build roads, but who did all three senatorial roads? DICKSON
They said they built the Diette koki memorial hospital but who completed it? DICKSON
they said they gave the state direction, but who is paying their debts? DICKSON
They said they developed the state, but who built the first fly over bridge?
DICKSON
They said they have the children in mind but who delivered free education at all levels? DICKSON
they said they have the youth in mind but we remember what famou tangbe did, who removed the deadly squad and cultist? DICKSON
WITH THIS FEW POINTS OF MINE, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THEY DONT COME BACK TO FINISH THE DESTRUCTION THEY HAVE STARTED.
‪#‎RE‬ ELECT DICKSON
‪#‎IZONNATION‬
‪#‎ADOO‬
THE TENDER GOVERNOR

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has given approval for an 18 percent increase in the minimum wage for the state's teaching worksforce.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has given approval for an 18 percent increase in the minimum wage for the state's teaching worksforce.
Dickson who is bidding for a second term in office disclosed the increase when he received official of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Yenagoa.
"I hereby approve the payment of your 18 percent minimum wage. Your role is invaluable," Dickson said.
"I am equally ready to improve on it as our finances improve."
He also said the government is set to commission the state's teachers training institute.
"In the next two weeks, we will commission the teachers training institute one of the best in the region."
READ: Sylva picks running mate as he plots Dickson's ouster on APC ticket
The governor however urged teachers to be patient with the government in the face of dwindling eoconomic fortunes.
Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, presenting free school uniforms to studentsplay
Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, presenting free school uniforms to students (PM News)

"Our revenue profile is no longer what it used to be yet we have endeavored to pay salaries."
Dickson, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will be contesting the December 5th gubernatorial polls against a two-time governor ofthe state, Chief Timipre Sylva.
Sylva, a former PDP member, is running on the platform of the All Progressives Party Congress (APC).

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has said that the ongoing crisis in the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress portends grave danger to the democratic fortunes already established in the state.

Dickson stated this during the inauguration of eight new Special Advisers and the General Manager of the Bayelsa State Transport Company, Emomotimi Fanama, in Yenagoa, a statement by his media aide, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said on Thursday.

The choice of a running-mate to the APC governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, had pitted the former governor against the Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe.

On Tuesday, supporters of Orunimighe went berserk, protesting the choice of a retired principal from Forupa in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Wilberforce Igiri, instead of Orunimighe.

The supporters, who felt that Sylva reneged on his promise to make Orunimighe his running-mate, vowed to rock the boat if Sylva failed to rescind his decision.

It was learnt that the name of Igiri had already been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, a development that had sparked outrage in the party.

The new Special Advisers are James Dugo, Chief Bernard Agai, Chief Patrick Osunu, Agatha Goma, Ayobegha James, Mr. Alex Dumbo, Chief Kienyosuote Degi and Henry Orumieyefa.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has said that the ongoing crisis in the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress portends grave danger to the democratic fortunes already established in the state.

Dickson stated this during the inauguration of eight new Special Advisers and the General Manager of the Bayelsa State Transport Company, Emomotimi Fanama, in Yenagoa, a statement by his media aide, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said on Thursday.

The choice of a running-mate to the APC governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, had pitted the former governor against the Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe.

On Tuesday, supporters of Orunimighe went berserk, protesting the choice of a retired principal from Forupa in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Wilberforce Igiri, instead of Orunimighe.

The supporters, who felt that Sylva reneged on his promise to make Orunimighe his running-mate, vowed to rock the boat if Sylva failed to rescind his decision.

It was learnt that the name of Igiri had already been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, a development that had sparked outrage in the party.

The new Special Advisers are James Dugo, Chief Bernard Agai, Chief Patrick Osunu, Agatha Goma, Ayobegha James, Mr. Alex Dumbo, Chief Kienyosuote Degi and Henry Orumieyefa.

Osa Okhomina writes on the intrigues that shaped the rescheduled gubernatorial, primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State

For the fourth time, former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe has foregone his governorship ambition.

In 2003, Alaibe was reportedly prevailed upon by former Vice president Atiku Abubakar, to step down for former governor Deprieye Alameiseigha during the PDP primaries.

Again in 2007, he was allegedly prevailed upon to forego the PDP ticket to former President Goodluck Jonathan, (then governor) by former president Olusegun Obasanjo. His attempt to become governor of the state, under the Labour Party ahead of 2011, also failed.

It also failed this time on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Alaibe’s decision to bow out of the rescheduled gubernatorial primary followed the controversy that trailed the previous one held on September 22.

The previous primary, conducted by the Edo State governor, Adams Oshomole, had ignited so much heat in the party, as former Governor Timipre Sylva and Oshiomole traded words over the outcome. While Sylva claimed he won, Oshiomole declared the primaries inconclusive. Other aspirants, including Alaibe, kicked against Sylva’s claim. The national party organ, however, cancelled the election and rescheduled a fresh one.

Though the fresh governorship primaries was held in a peaceful atmosphere, (perhaps because of the heavy security presence at the secretariat) the absence of a viable competing aspirant such as Alaibe doused the anticipated tension.

Sylva emerged the flag bearer of the APC with a recorded 981 votes out the total number of 1147 accredited votes.

A total number of 14 governorship aspirants participated out of the 19 that bought the governorship form.

The governorship primary was conducted by a seven-man team led by Brigadier General, Monsur Dan Ali (retired). Most of the delegates, defied the early morning rain, got accredited and voted immediately.

Sylva, while accepting the victory, could not resist the urge to throw a jab at Osiomhole. He said “It’s been a long walk, and today I am very happy to accept this victory that you have given to me for the second time.

“I would like to say that this is only the beginning of a journey. Today, I have seen that we politicians have a lot to learn from the military.

“What a great and serving governor of a great state of this country was unable of doing just a few days ago, has been achieved by a retired general and his team.”

However, aware of the task ahead, he said to party members, “We’ll do everything to keep this unity. I’ll like to call on all other aspirants who have also accepted this result, to join hands with me to ensure that we win the election come 5th December 2015, which is actually the main issue at stake.”



How Timi Alaibe Was Muscled Out

The last minute withdrawal of Alaibe from the governorship race of the APC, according to sources within the party, was allegedly orchestrated from the presidency.

It was gathered that a top officer in the presidency had prevailed on Alaibe to withdraw from the race in the interest of the party.

LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that the war of words between the Oshiomole and Sylva, and the eventual decision of the national working committee led by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun to cancel the first primaries, provoked chain reactions within the party.

A close member of the Sylva campaign organization, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that the decision of the presidency to throw its weight behind Sylva was due to series of issues that bother on the need to secure victory in Bayelsa during the December 5 elections.

According to him, ahead of the first primaries, a dummy was sold to the party that Sylva was not “marketable”, considering his brush with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) pertaining the series of petitions and alleged corruption practices against him while he served as governor.

It was however gathered that after intense deliberation, and with imminent defeat stirring APC in the face if it fails to put its house in order, Alaibe was begged to step down. More so, it was rationalized that Sylva, seems to have more structure in the APC in the state than Alaibe.

By September 30, at exactly 2am, Alaibe, issued a statement of withdrawal from the race. He announced that his decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries was for the interest of the party.

Alaibe said “It is with all nostalgia that I recall the zeal, enthusiasm and hope with which thousands of Bayelsans made a statement in the direction of change in August, 2015. I can also vividly recall a mental replay of the occasion wherein a qualitative representation of the leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) ushered in respected leaders and members from their then party, Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP).

“That singular event has been phenomenal just as its true meaning and direction have all exuded confidence, unity of purpose, cohesion, collectivism and courage. That day undoubtedly marked the beginning of a people’s journey from hopelessness and squandry as enunciated by the accidental PDP-led government in Bayelsa State to that of quality leadership that an APC government will represent.

“As one of such leaders who took that historic decision, I thought of giving a further bite to my burning desire to extricate the state from abysmal leadership failure. Therefore, my aspiration to be governor after series of consultations was to rekindle our collective hope and lift the state beyond its current state of decay under the PDP.

“Regardless, I am not oblivious of the fundamental fact that we all need a virile, united, cohesive and collaborative APC to bring about our desires to fruition. Not only do we need this, APC deserves every sacrifice, including personal interests, to arrive at the envisaged destination come February, 2016.

“This is more so that both as individual leaders and as a party, the need to avoid the a situation of crisis that the PDP might inadvertently reap from cannot be over emphasized. As a result, having carefully examined the circumstances that have trailed the governorship primaries of our great party in Bayelsa State, I have come to the conclusion that pushing my governorship ambition beyond this point carries alongside it some collateral consequences.

“Succinctly, two options are available to me. Whereas I am confident that I have the required support of my admirers and supporters as well as the needed backing of Bayelsans to govern them, the hurdles set on the way of this noble project are seemingly temptous and capable of overheating the APC in Bayelsa. In another vein, the virtuous path to take is that virtuous one in which personal interest are sacrificed for the common good,whether for the APC or the state in general. This is the path I chose in the light of the prevailing circumstances. I therefore withdraw from the governorship primary contest.

“This decision is taken in the interest of our party, especially as we face the task of the common challenge of unseating the PDP in the state come December 5.”

Chief Sylva has, however, called on Alaibe not to leave the party but to remain as member andwork together with him to defeat the PDP in Bayelsa.

According to him, “I have a specific word for my co-contestant, Ndutimi Alaibe, who signalled that he was leaving the race. I’ll like him to come back, let us sit down as a people, as lovers of the APC, as lovers of Bayelsa and as lovers of Nigeria, to join hands and work together to deliver good governance in this state.”

We are here again talking about elections in Bayelsa and once again, it is riddled with fracas, just like it was 4 years back, and of course with the same individual stuck in the middle, "Timipre Silva".
After Being Rejected by the populace in 2011, he has come to test his mettle again, or this time 'popularity'.
it is often remembered as the worst 4 years in the oil city as bullets lined in streets like pavements. it became a norm, as killing became synonymous with bayelsa.
it is funny he came under a party with broom because it is the same utility the incumbent governor used clean up his mess (or is still cleaning as in the case of the 450 billion naira debt).
bayelsa was a child born with silver spoon and just years later it was a ridiculously debt plunged nation. a child who could afford everything before, now leaves by means. what is going on?
now a governor comes and puts you back in track towards greatness and yet the people want to go back to mediocrity?
it is a vile thought, a villain is celebrated while true heroes takes the stick. you never know what you have till its gone.
remember, no matter the propaganda, you are not blind, there have been visible developments, you have the first fly overs, the first airport, etc. don't buy into ordinary thoughts from ordinary people, whose tools are just an internet and an electronic device. they have used every means to frustrate the governor as he has his allocation cut, all to impose a selfish past governor?
this is never change.
‪#‎GovDickson2016‬

Timipre Sylva, the APC flag bearer in the upcoming
governorship elections in Bayelsa state was physically assaulted by
an ex-militant leader following a scuffle over who'll be his deputy,
The EagleOnline reports.

Since the the former governor emerged as candidate, there have
been a relentless battle over who becomes his deputy as the jostle
for the slot kept shifting from one supposedly anointed person to
the other.
It's believed that Sylva had all along promised no fewer than six
persons his running mate’s slot but none of them has so far been
named.
The state Chairman of the APC, Chief Tiwe Oruminigbe, and an ex-
militant leader, General Africa, were involved in the fracas.
Orumingbe was one of those initially favoured as he reportedly
mobilized all delegates to vote for Sylva at the primary, which he
won.
To demonstrate his seriousness, Oruminigbe was said to have gone
to Sylva’s Abuja home with ex-militant leader, General Africa, to
confront Sylva on the issue.
At the meeting there were a lot of hot verbal exchanges and Sylva
was said to have received a hot slap on his cheeks for what was
said to be a result of his “deception and betrayal”.
But the open confrontation soon resulted into heated argument
and in the process, General Africa was said to have slapped Sylva
and a full blown fight erupted.
An eyewitness account said the ensuing fight caused the
destruction of some household items.
Following the attack, reports say Sylva as the leader of the APC in
Bayelsa State was already plotting to remove Oruminigbe as state
chairman.
Meanwhile this blog reported that The governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Timipre
Sylva and the party’s Chairman in Bayelsa State, Mr. Tiwe Oruminighe, are at each
others’ throats over issues bordering on selection of running mate for the party’s
governorship candidate.
Youths loyal to Tiwe stormed the party’s secretariat along Yeni-zuegene, Mbiama-
Yenagoa road on Tuesday and destroyed billboards, banners, posters and other
campaign materials of Sylva.
The angry youths are demanding that Tiwe must pair with Sylva in the December 5
governorship election in Bayelsa.
The activities of the youths caused tension in the area and led to the deployment of
armed policemen to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
The secretariat was shut down temporarily to avoid possible invasion of the offices
by aggrieved youths.
The pro-Tiwe youths, who carried placards, said APC would cease to exist in the
state if Sylva denied Tiwe the running mate slot.
One of the youths who identified himself as the Chairman of all ward chairmen, Mr.
Jefta Ikuruel, said the protest was to warn the party against sidelining Tiwe.
He said Tiwe was the choice of the grassroot, insisting that without the party
chairman as a running mate, Sylva and APC would not win the election.
Also, the Chairman of APC in Ward 11, Mr. Exodus Ebi, said Sylva was violating a
sealed agreement that he would pick Tiwe as his running mate.
He said: “All the ward chairmen unanimously agree that Tiwe will be Sylva’s runnings
mate. Tiwe is the only man that can reach the grassroot and it is because of him
that we are making sacrifices. It is not because of Sylva. He should give us Tiwe.”
Speaking further, another ward Chairman, Okoro Magbisa, said Sylva should kiss the
election good bye without Tiwe.

hey say when an internal matter becomes a public matter then it is time for intervention of public security apparatus to defuse what one of the APC Faithfuls described as " only the Genesis" . Today what people had been speculating came to light as a group of violent protesting party faithfuls to the astonishment of commuters at the APC Kpansia Yenagoa office washed their dirty linings in the full glare of the public; tearing to shreds the imposing billboard announcing the candidacy of Former Governor Timipre Sylva.

The placards show that the protesters were calling for the selection of their State Chairman Mr Tiwei as running mate. Is that all? Some passabys asked in groups deeply shaken at the reality of the prospects of these people ending the peace and tranquility of Yenagoa by their conduct in future events if not checked by the authorities.

Democracy was instituted to end the pre Aristotelian age of the Greek city states when life was "brutish and short". Democracy needed the organization and consensus building of the party to grow. So if a group cannot agree internally it cannot govern.