Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva has opened up on the dramatic turn of things in Bayelsa politics, following the Supreme court verdict that nullified All Progressives Congress’ David Lyon as Governor-elect and the further swearing-in of the new Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator, Douye Diri.
Sylva, a former Governor of the State called on all residents in the state to exercise restraint and shun all forms of criminality so as not to throw the state into a political turmoil.
Recall that the personal home of the immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, was on Friday attacked by unknown protesters.
While the protest lasts, a state-owned FM station, christened Radio Bayelsa, was amongst facilities attacked by the protesters. Also, part of the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party was also burnt during the protest, which made the Bayelsa Police Command to impose a three-day dusk-to-dusk curfew in the state.
The attack comes just hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued a Certificate of Return to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, in the 2019 governorship election, Diri Douye.
While appealing to angered stakeholders in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Julius Bokoru, the Minister said that Bayelsans and the APC family will reclaim their stolen mandate.
“I want to use this moment to call on all the people of our dear state, Bayelsa, to kindly shun all acts of violence and lawlessness.
“Also of great importance to me is to extend my profound apology to our President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, over the avoidable disruption to his busy schedule which was caused by the events of the moment.
“I am aware that Mr. President and his lovely wife Her Excellency Aisha Buhari had concluded arrangements to travel to Bayelsa to witness the inauguration of the APC Governorship candidate as Governor of Bayelsa State. I therefore extend my apology to Mr. President and members of his entourage.”
Sylva continued: “To the good people of Bayelsa state, I would like to emphasize the need for restraint at all times. No doubt the events of the last few days are as provocative as they are regrettable. But however tempting it might be for anyone to take the law into their hands, such temptation must be resisted in the greater interest of our state and the political stability of the country at large.
“The leadership of our great party the All Progresives Congress (APC) has directed its team of legal experts to study the situation critically and proffer legal options available to the party accordingly. We should therefore all remain faithful to, and have confidence in, the wisdom and ability of the party leadership to provide direction at this very sensitive time.
“Once again I call on all people of Bayelsa state irrespective of whatever differences there may be to eschew violence and respect the security measures put in place by appropriate authorities. Let me conclude by assuring Mr. President and our party hierarchy that despite this temporary setback, APC in Bayelsa remains strong and its members resolute in our support for the ideals of a greater and prosperous Nigeria as envisioned by our President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari,” Sylva said.
