Tension in Bayelsa as supporters of Sylva clash with Bayelsa governor’s camp

The Campaign Council for Bayelsa’s All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Timipre Sylva, strongly criticized Governor Douye Diri on Tuesday for his alleged attempts to obstruct their candidate’s appearance on the ballot.

The Council asserted that Diri’s endeavors to impede Sylva have proved ineffective.

Furthermore, the campaign team warned against the practice of candidates resorting to clandestine methods to secure the governorship position.

This response follows shortly after the Appeal Court granted clearance to the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, allowing him to participate in the November 11 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State. The unanimous decision by a three-member panel of justices overturned a previous ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which initially disqualified Sylva from contesting the gubernatorial poll.

In a statement, Yekini Nabena, the Secretary of Bayelsa APC Media and Publicity Committee, commended the judgment, emphasizing that it will enable Sylva to concentrate on addressing the alleged governance issues that his constituents have endured over the past four years.

Nabena stated, “Diri is not known to have ever won any election but always comes through the back door to occupy the exalted seat against the popular mandate of the electorates. We are using this medium to tell Governor Diri and his cohort that there is no room for black market victory in this election. It is either you come clean or leave the race, but certainly no court will save Diri from heavy defeat this time around.

“History is not about to repeat itself because Governor Diri is not known for ever winning any clear electoral contest, and the people of Bayelsa are tired of an accidental Governor.

“Our people are yearning for development, and our candidate’s six-point agenda is not ambiguous. The experiences of our amiable candidate will surely be an added advantage, coupled with his link with the APC at the centre and the Renewed Hope Agenda. So, we promise to give the people of Bayelsa a new lease of life once we are able to chase away this government of inefficiency and wastefulness.”