₦airaland Forum

THIS is not the best of time for the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State as the November 16, 2019 governorship election draws close.
The signs are ominous that for the first time in the history of PDP, it is heavily hit by the soaring wind of acceptability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the length and breadth of the state to replace the PDP.
PDP in Bayelsa State is fast becoming a shadow of itself. On daily basis, its membership is depleting as they are leaving the party in droves to the APC which has become the beautiful bride of the electorate.
Only few days ago, Senator Barigha Nimi Amange, a PDP chieftain and strong ally of former President Goodluck Jonathan, dumped the party for APC at a colourful ceremony. Those who are familiar with the political calculus in the state know that Amange is a force that cannot be ignored.
This was shortly followed by Gabriel Jonah, younger brother to Governor Dickson’s Deputy, retired Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah, and leader of a political group known as “Otita-Force,” who left the PDP for APC along with thousands of his supporters. They are leaders in their own right and no mean forces to reckon with.
For the PDP, it is the battle of life to save the party from being swept off by the party it once derided and written off. For the APC, it made strong attempt at pulling the PDP off the strung in 2015 with its standard bearer and current Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva. PDP narrowly escaped defeat by stroke of luck.
The Timipre Sylva-led APC, which has a lot of youths appellation in its fold, retired to the trenches and appeared in the 2019 General Election with a result which stunned the ruling PDP in the state.
Out of the five members at the House of Representatives, APC secured two members, while out of the statutory three members of the senate, APC got one. At the State House of Assembly, APC got four members and more are being expected.
This modest outing had since sent a clear signal that there is a dangling Sword of Damocles on the PDP in the November 16, 2019 governorship election.
There are a number of issues that will define the outcome of the governorship election in Bayelsa State.
One, the personality and character of the candidates will go a long way to determine the choice of the electorate.
For the APC, the emergence of Mr. David Lyon as standard bearer of the party was received with spontaneous jubilation across the state, regardless of party leanings.
Earlier, just hearing of Lyon’s intention to contest, the PDP was compelled to hold meetings severally to strategise on how to contain the osmosis forces coming with the candidacy of David Lyon.
According to reports, PDP allegedly sponsored someone at the APC primary to secure an Experte order restraining the party from adopting the “direct” mode of primary approved by the National Working Committee of the party. The matter, which was presided over by Honourable Justice Omukoro in Yenagoa High Court, was later vacated, paving way for the APC primary where Lyon emerged as the flag bearer of the party.
Lyon’s candidacy had since altered the entire political calculations of the PDP and other contesting parties. A graduate of Mathematics and Chemistry at Rivers State College of Education, now Rivers State University of Education, his leadership quality and high academic performance were spotted way back in his days at Community Secondary School Olugbobiri by both teachers and students. This earned him the enviable appointment as Senior Prefect or Head Boy of the school, coming at a time such appointments were based on academic merit and character in learning,
After his graduation from the Rivers State University of Education he had choice and opportunities to work in the Multi-national oil companies but he took the part of self-reliance.
Worried by the frightening scourge of unemployment in Bayelsa State and in the Niger Delta, David Lyon registered a security network company called Daylon Nigeria Limited with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Daylon Nigeria Limited which came in the wake of rising cases of oil pipeline vandalism, kidnapping, sea piracy and threats to the smooth operation of oil companies in Bayelsa State has since become a house hold name.
He has carved his name in the place of history in the Niger Delta. Apart from Chief Timipre Sylva, who initiated the amnesty programme which brought about the relative peace in the Niger Delta, Lyon remains the second individual who has contributed enormously to the peace and security of oil producing communities as well as creating an enabling environment for oil companies to operate.
He believes that there cannot be sustainable development without peace and security. This is why when he got the endorsement of the APC to fly its ticket, the unanimous verdict of vast majority of stakeholders were clearly expressed with excitement, that “with David Lyon, the disturbing security indices in the state will soon become a thing of the past, being known for his dexterity in the business of community policing.”
Other factors that have attracted electorate’s goodwill to Lyon’s candidacy include his generous and humble nature. His generosity, according to people who have come across him in one way or the other, “knows no bound”. According to a social media influencer, Miss Esther Aron-Kune, “David Lyon may not be an orator as some people do, but he is a good man who loves the common man, regardless of where you come from, as he sees himself as one of them; he is humility personified. This is why he is regarded as the coming of a true countryman governor and not the fake one that had deceived the people over seven years”.
Apart from late Zebulon Abule of the Old Rivers State, there is no living politician that has demonstrated the capacity for philanthropism the way Lyon has done in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta in general. These are qualities which no candidate has in the contest.
For the first time in the history of Bayelsa State, the issue of choice of Lyon has transformed into a mass movement like that of the Mao-Mao movement.
The anger of the electorate is further fueled by the failed performance indices of the incumbent governor Seriake Dickson who unleashed a reign of impunity of which Bayelsans are fed up.
For instance, before the Seriake Dickson-led government came on board, Yenagoa, the state capital, was beautifully illuminated at nights with functional street lights. Today, Yenagoa has become the capital of darkness, while activities of men of the underworld take advantage of it with increasing crime wave, especially at night.
The functional independent power project called gas turbine was providing electricity to compliment the Port-Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company. It is sad to mention that such a good infrastructure became moribund under him.
Also, before now, bursaries were paid to students of Bayelsa State origin in higher institutions while both local and foreign scholarships were awarded same, but all that stopped under the self-acclaimed Government of Restoration of governor Dickson.
In the civil service promotions, leave bonus, promotion arrears and Christmas celebration bonus, some of which are statutory rights and some are privileges enjoyed by workers under successive administrations, were stopped by Dickson for about eight years and just to mention but few instances which have become the nemesis of the PDP candidate, Senator Douye Diri.
This is why Bayelsans have strong resentment against the candidacy of Senator Douye Diri who is regarded as Governor Dickson’s third tenure project or as some people would call it, as a continuation of his political dynasty to suffocate the people of Bayelsa State.
It is therefore understandable that the wind of change that is blowing like the North-East trade wind, heralding the gale of defection from PDP to APC is natural and spontaneously reflecting the general will of the people.
Therefore, any reference to Federal might in the contest by the PDP is a mere imagination and mischief. From all indications, the choice of David Lyon represents the people’s own natural revolt against Governor Dickson.
Bayelsans are really fed up with the PDP government led by Seriake Dickson. It is like the aphorism that you can deceive the people several times, but you cannot deceive them all the time.
This is why Bayelsans have crossed the Rubicon for the first time and resolved to align with the APC to meet the general development aspirations of the people and that is the reality on ground in the forth-coming governorship election in Bayelsa State
.• Agala is a public affairs analyst


Mynd44
Donis
Benita14
Fergie
Kahal
Kenone
Doncr l
Guzel
Omenka

It is virtually impossible.
Apc can never rule delta and bayelsa
I live in warri
During the presidential campaigns, jubril came to warri, and warri city stadium was filled up to the brim.....
But sadly,
When votes were counted, jubril (apc) won just two out of the twenty five lga in delta state.
Na wa

The fact remains, this is the first time PDP’s grip in Bayelsa State will be threatened.

Bayelsa, a small state of 8 local government and high Federal allocation, with a good leadership should be one of the shinning lights in Nigeria.

Holumhidey:





It is virtually impossible.
Apc can never rule delta and bayelsa
I live in warri
During the presidential campaigns, jubril came to warri, and warri city stadium was filled up to the brim.....
But sadly,
When votes were counted, jubril (apc) won just two out of the twenty five lga in delta state.
Na wa

There was progress compared to 2015.

dammiecool:
There was progress compared to 2015.

oga my point is; pdp will always rig the elections...... the apc candidate wont even win in his polling unit

Holumhidey:





It is virtually impossible.
Apc can never rule delta and bayelsa
I live in warri
During the presidential campaigns, jubril came to warri, and warri city stadium was filled up to the brim.....
But sadly,
When votes were counted, jubril (apc) won just two out of the twenty five lga in delta state.
Na wa

You are emotional on this.

Candidate to Candidate, APC should have it with ease.

Also PDP are not united as they were.

With strategic vigorous campaign and leaving no stone unturned, APC stands a good chance.

Wike can spend all he wants, but with Atiku out of the gate and APC deep pockets - Bayelsa State is moving to the Next Level.

Holumhidey:





It is virtually impossible.
Apc can never rule delta and bayelsa
I live in warri
During the presidential campaigns, jubril came to warri, and warri city stadium was filled up to the brim.....
But sadly,
When votes were counted, jubril (apc) won just two out of the twenty five lga in delta state.
Na wa

This is the type of comments that i dont need here.who told you that buhari or apc planned to win delta? So not aware that buhari plan was to get 25% while stopping pdp from getting up to a million? Go and get tutored in politics,no time for novices

netpro:
You are emotional on this.

Candidate to Candidate, APC should have it with ease.

Also PDP are not united as they were.

With strategic vigorous campaign and living no stone unturned, APC stands a good chance.

Wike can spend all he wants, but with Atiku out of the gate and APC deep pockets - Bayelsa State is moving to the Next Level.

Very emotional beings,so subjective and biased in reasoning.i wish a kind of screening could be conducted before allowing people comment in this section

netpro:
The fact remains, this is the first time PDP’s grip in Bayelsa State will be threatened.

Bayelsa, a small state of 8 local government and high Federal allocation, with a good leadership should be one of the shinning lights in Nigeria.

An irony

Holumhidey:
oga my point is;
pdp will always rig the elections......
the apc candidate wont even win in his polling unit

Guy if all PDP has planned is to depend on rigging, then they can step down now. It will not work. The police, INEC and everything else is under APC. How can PDP pull rigging stunts without being seen?

The youths are with Lyon. The masses are not happy with Dickson. Workers in the State are not happy. There are cracks in PDP. The PDP candidate is not that liked. The governor is owes and in debt. The APC candidate is a well known generous man. Anyone in PDP that want a better life, will vote APC.

Should PDP loose Bayelsa election, then the blame should strictly goes to GEJ and Dickson for being too selfish

David Lyon is now a lion....Is alright.


There is only one factor that could swing votes against pdp and that is Timi Alaibe.

Firstly he commands huge electorates and knows his game.

All Dickson needs to do is to hold him tightly and friendly.


Second factor is Goodluck Jonathan who knows his political fame is less but always wants to appoint and be godfather without following his candidates up.


If Timi Alaibe is in APC, the election will be another tough and tough but him in pdp is another issue.

Dickson should pacify him because him in true sense won that pdp primaries.


Then for APC and lion or lyon all Timpre sylva is looking at is federal might which he has been using since ages.


He should look for new method to achieve his game If not there will be more shooting and shooting and sympathy will swing to ruling pdp while security agencies will be blamed all round.

Douyi Diri was dead on arrival. Bayelsans dislike him as a person ( no impact as a Senator) coupled with the fact that he’s being backed by Dickson. Alaibe, who was Wike’s choice, would have been a better contender. The PDP house is divided, the traditional rulers (particularly in Ogbia) who play a major role in mobilising the youths are not with Dickson, Mama Peace is aggrieved, so is Wike ( party financier).
The Bayelsans hated APC so much as they regard it as an Hausa Party, but the last election as the writer clearly pointed out, was a clear message that the people are now in acceptance. Lyon, the APC candidate, is loved by all and sundry, I see no reason why he would not defeat Diri. The PDP might have to employ heavy machinery, whatever that may be, to retain Bayelsa, because it’s not going to be an easy one.

MelesZenawi:
David Lyon is now a lion....Is alright.


There is only one factor that could swing votes against pdp and that is Timi Alaibe.

Firstly he commands huge electorates and knows his game.

All Dickson needs to do is to hold him tightly and friendly.


Second factor is Goodluck Jonathan who knows his political fame is less but always wants to appoint and be godfather without following his candidates up.


If Timi Alaibe is in APC, the election will be another tough and tough but him in pdp is another issue.

Dickson should pacify him because him in true sense won that pdp primaries.


Then for APC and lion or lyon all Timpre sylva is looking at is federal might which he has been using since ages.


He should look for new method to achieve his game If not there will be more shooting and shooting and sympathy will swing to ruling pdp while security agencies will be blamed all round.

In 2015 polls,alaibe was with sylva but still failed.alaibe will remain in pdp but is heavily aggrieved.n9thing can persuade him to support diri.
As for gej,he's a progressive and always support progressive.during the nass polls,he was against pdp.nothing should stop him from still standing against pdp now that dickson has insulted him and brought a failed diri.gej supported people like amb igali,reuben okoya,alaibe and this people have a lot in common with lyon.i dont need to tell you that gej will prefer lyon that a diri.

In 2015,apc were still relatively new in governance and knew little about bayelsa politics.dickson narrowly won an unpopular sylva.now,lyon is overwhelmingly popular plus apc dominates 3 lgas with some elective officials unlike in 2015 when they controlled only brass.even the oil firms are with lyon.he has all the advantage.i didnt add the division in bayelsa pdp plus the disagreement between speakervand governor

senatordave1:
In 2015 polls,alaibe was with sylva but still failed.alaibe will remain in pdp but is heavily aggrieved.n9thing can persuade him to support diri.
As for gej,he's a progressive and always support progressive.during the nass polls,he was against pdp.nothing should stop him from still standing against pdp now that dickson has insulted him and brought a failed diri.gej supported people like amb igali,reuben okoya,alaibe and this people have a lot in common with lyon.i dont need to tell you that gej will prefer lyon that a diri.

In 2015,apc were still relatively new in governance and knew little about bayelsa politics.dickson narrowly won an unpopular sylva.now,lyon is overwhelmingly popular plus apc dominates 3 lgas with some elective officials unlike in 2015 when they controlled only brass.even the oil firms are with lyon.he has all the advantage.i didnt add the division in bayelsa pdp plus the disagreement between speakervand governor

Naaaa.

All na interest and agreement.

APC even have more chance in kogi state as clearly seen than bayelsa.

I comment with facts. All has interest to protect and only agreement will do such.


With sylva tactics of Using military, and same pattern Pdp will still win unless he adjusts very well.


The security agencies are already viewed in wrong perspective and wrong signal.


Whether Diri or Lyon , It will become more clearer in October.

For now us just politicking.

Una don start again ..APC for which Bayelsa...na so Dem decieve slyva and lokpobiri ...
APC no get any ground for Bayelsa ....say people for YENAGOA deyy support both parties no mean say Lyon dey popular..

PDP will still clean up.votes in bayyelsa ... Abi Buhari and TINUBU no go come campaign again?

Bayelsa gat much sentiment for alarms...and alams factor will always plays out last las..


It happened last election...

Slyva made much noise...even men fall in from pitakwa for slyva and lokpobiri....
But on election day...things changed...

Lyon is just a noise maker...

netpro:
The fact remains, this is the first time PDP’s grip in Bayelsa State will be threatened.

Bayelsa, a small state of 8 local government and high Federal allocation, with a good leadership should be one of the shinning lights in Nigeria.

And is it APC, with their current performance across Nigeria, that would turn Bayelsa to a shinning light??

I mean, APC is presenting Bello as Gov in Kogi State again?

MelesZenawi:
Naaaa.

All na interest and agreement.

APC even have more chance in kogi state as clearly seen than bayelsa.

I comment with facts. All has interest to protect and only agreement will do such.


With sylva tactics of Using military, and same pattern Pdp will still win unless he adjusts very well.


The security agencies are already viewed in wrong perspective and wrong signal.


Whether Diri or Lyon , It will become more clearer in October.

For now us just politicking.

Lets watch things unfold.the popularity and acceptance of lyon has made the use of force less relevant

nameo:
And is it APC, with their current performance across Nigeria, that would turn Bayelsa to a shinning light??

I mean, APC is presenting Bello as Gov in Kogi State again?

PDP presented Ikpeazu, T. Orji, etc and it was OK, right?

BTW, Bello is winning Kogi State. Wail all you can.

senatordave1:
Lets watch things unfold.the popularity and acceptance of lyon has made the use of force less relevant

I don't conclude easily.

The pendulum remains where it is and if it will swing, nobody knows.

MelesZenawi:
I don't conclude easily.

The pendulum remains where it is and if it will swing, nobody knows.

Sorry but let me ask.what are the factors that you think is in favour of the pdp candidate? I know you mentioned alaibe and gej but i already discountenanced that.

senatordave1:
Sorry but let me ask.what are the factors that you think is in favour of the pdp candidate? I know you mentioned alaibe and gej but i already discountenanced that.

You can deflect Alaibe/Gej.

Two strong factor and allies.

what is the case here is simply interest, negotiations and agreement...case closed.

Alaibe lost due to fear of his political prostitution.

Sylva knew why he is back tracking but he will give a fight and I repeat with his usual way, he will fail if he doesn't change.


Electorates are swayed by what they hear and perceive.

For now and till October, it will become more clearer.

Early conclusion and prophecies have not yielded any positive political permutations.

MelesZenawi:
You can deflect Alaibe/Gej.

Two strong factor and allies.

what is the case here is simply interest, negotiations and agreement...case closed.

Alaibe lost due to fear of his political prostitution.

Sylva knew why he is back tracking but he will give a fight and I repeat with his usual way, he will fail if he doesn't change.


Electorates are swayed by what they hear and perceive.

For now and till October, it will become more clearer.

Early conclusion and prophecies have not yielded any positive political permutations.

Philosophical sophistry.are you oblivious of the fact that the electorates are mostly tilting towards lyon?

senatordave1:
Philosophical sophistry.are you oblivious of the fact that the electorates are mostly tilting towards lyon?

I don't work on illusion.


Till then...not now.