Christopher Uche, Yenagoa
As the race for the 2016 Bayelsa governorship election hits up, various political groups opposed to the emergence of the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson as the Governorship flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have started springing up.
In a meeting ,which was convened and held at the residence of the Former Deputy Governor of the State and the State Coordinator of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN),Rt.Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu, deliberated upon issues of the Governorship elections and the need for anti-Dickson forces to unite and present a formidable front against his second term bid.
The meeting,which was chaired by the Former Security Adviser to administration of the Former President,Goodluck Jonathan as Governor in the State,Major Andrew Oputa,was attended by the Former Senator for Bayelsa East Senatorial district,Senator Nimi Bariagh-Amange, the Former Acting Governor and Speaker of the State House of Assembly,Hon.Nestor Binabo, Mrs. Marie Ebikake,the Former Commissioner of Transport in the administration of Governor Dickson, Former State Assembly member, Dr. Amalayon Yuosuor.
Also at the meeting were the Former Commissioner for Enviroment,Dr. Sylvanus Abila, the Former Legal Adviser to the Bayelsa Government and Former Commissioner for Conflict Resolution,Barr. Olorogun and Retired Captain Karimu.
While some politicians within the fold claimed that the meeting was convened on the directive of concerned politicians within and outside the state including the Former First Lady,Dame Patience Jonathan,others claimed the group will ensure that the interested Governorship aspirants including the Former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters,Dr. Waripanmowei Dudafagh are screened and cleared for the party primaries in the state.
A senior source at the meeting informed news men yesterday that the meeting was attended by over 16 political groups including the Women For Change Initiative funded by Dame Patience Jonathan and the pro-Jonathan’s campaign group,the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN).
It was also gathered that the meeting resolved to set up a Steering and Contact Committee ,”they resolved to reach out to other existing political groups in the State and establish contacts in the existing local government areas of the State with the appointment of Local Government Coordinators.They resolved that Dickson must be shown the way out by any means possible including the use of needed political platforms.”
“They also resolved to extend invitations to politicians and Governorship aspirants to attend the next meeting of the group.The intention is to listen to all interested aspirants and ensure the presentation of a united front for a successful anti-Dickson battle.”
