Christopher Uche, Yenagoa
The Former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva has asked his kinsmen in his home community of Okpoama in Brass Local Government area of the State, to forgive him for his perceived shortcomings during his tenure as Governor of the State.
Chief Sylva,while speaking at the weekend during a unity rally and reception held in his honour as leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, said his political travails in the hands of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that led to him being denied the Party ticket to run for second term in office as Governor and his return as the State Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) have opened his eyes to the fact that only God can forgive.
According to Sylva,”If I have learnt any lesson from my travails,it is only the fact that it is only God that forgives.I have forgiven those that offended me.And also urged those of you that I have offended to forgive me.”
The Former Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva,who described the decision by the Traditional Ruler, King Ebitimi Banigo and the Council of Chiefs in Okpoama kingdom to honour him as “a blessing”, called on the people of the community to consider the Honour and the Unity Rally as an indication for renewed unity,”it is a legacy of unity that the kingdom has laid.I want to pledge my continued loyalty to the community.Let us put aside our differences and become an epitome for other communities.”
“If you think you have sea deity,you have not seen anything yet.God is the only beginning for us.Today is not only a day for unity but it will bring development. Let us do away with plaque of poverty.The Lord has blessed us.If you do away with it.”It is possible because God said so.”
One time Minister of Science and Technology and the Traditional Ruler of the Okpoama Kingdom, King Ebitimi Banigo while conferring on Chief Timipre Sylva the chieftancy title described him as a true leader,” his ability to stand tall as a political leader and unite the people is worthy of honour.”
Banigo, who described Sylva as a prophet not recognized in his home town,said “Today, we are putting that behind us and recognizing our son as a through gift from us to the nation and the world. It is easy to sit up and take notice.But it is another to sit up and take action.He has turn displeasure into success.He is a man of incredible character.”
Earlier in his speech,the Chairman of the Okpoama Unity Forum,Comrade Ebinimi Omubo,said the decision to organise the Unity rally to coincide with the Chieftancy title bestowed on Chief Timipre Sylva was based on the need to bring together the diverted people of the community and forge a common front,”the unity rally is to unite our people and we are grateful to God for blessing us with Chief Timipre Sylva.”
