BAYELSA GOV: Non indigenes hold rally , endorse Gov Dickson
Felix Okoye
Non-indigenes in Bayelsa State have described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the only party in the country that promotes peace and unity among Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, religious and political differences.
This assertion was made at a mega rally in support of the re-election bid of Governor Seriake Dickson on Monday at the Peace Park, Yenagoa, the state capital.
Speaking at the occasion, one of the leaders of the non-indigene community, Mr. Ozims Ferdinand Ozims, predicated their support on the Governor Dickson-led administration’s feat in security and other areas of development.
He said, “the government under the leadership of Governor Dickson has created a peaceful atmosphere for us to do our businesses. Democracy is not all about giving handouts to people, but the provision of security, social amenities and physical infrastructure.”
“We have, therefore, decided that, all our votes will go to the PDP, so that we will continue to enjoy the peace and security that, Governor Dickson has worked hard to achieve for our businesses to flourish.”
“Since we came into Bayelsa State, this administration has carried us along in the scheme of things and we feel at home doing our businesses without any fear of molestation and we are proud to associate with Governor Seriake Dickson and come December 5, we will cast our votes for the PDP”.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Fyneman Wilson, said the large crowd was an indication of the support the Governor and the PDP enjoy in the state.
He noted that, the present administration from its inception, has given the Non-indigenes a pride of place and would continue to do more in the area of security of their lives and businesses.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Advisory Council of the Restoration Campaign Organization, Senator Nimi Barigha Amange and Special Adviser as well as a PDP chieftain, Chief George Fente, urged the non-indigenes to remain law-abiding and sustain their support for the PDP.
According to Chief Fente, You recall that I was the Campaign Director to Timipre Sylva. I was also a Special Adviser on Political Matters to Sylva. So, if you don’t see me in Sylva’s group, then you should know that there is a K-leg. When I joined this Restoration Government, I took time to study His Excellency, Seriake Dickson and I have concluded that if it is merit that we want, Dickson has performed credibly and I think we should be able to give him the support.”
Responding, Governor Seriake Dickson expressed gratitude to the people for their solidarity and encouragement and promised them a fair share of the dividends of democracy in the next dispensation when re-elected.
He urged them to come out in their large numbers and cast their votes for the PDP on the 5th of December, as there would be adequate security to ensure a peaceful election.
“For me and my party, you are all indigenes of Bayelsa State. Anybody who is living and doing businesses normally here is a Bayelsan. In this country, we are one, so anywhere you stay, particularly, here in Bayelsa, we welcome strangers. I thank you all, because I’m aware, you people, individually and collectively have been supporting our party.”
The Director of Publicity, Restoration Campaign Organization, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, Director, Youth Mobilization, Hon. Steven Diver, Member, representing Yenagoa Constituency One, in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Parkinson Macmanuel, and former chairman of Brass local government council, Mrs. Helen Bob, gave solidarity speeches at the rally.