The November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State should be an easy pick for the people. The choice to make between incumbent governor, Senator Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Minister of State of Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC), shouldn’t be a tough one.
The people know and truly so, that Diri is better than Sylva. In competence, capacity, experience and so on. This is why, on the streets of Yenagoa and across far-flung fishing settlements in the state, the chant of “Diri oh, Diri oh” keeps reverberating. Men, women and youths are all soaked in the euphoria. They want the governor to continue beyond 2024. It is not a forced decision. They have seen his giant strides in the last three and half years.
From health, education, infrastructure, Diri has laid a solid foundation and made useful investments in those critical sectors for the people to reap the right dividends. For instance, his aggressive pursuit of the three Senatorial roads tells the complete story. He wants communities separating Yenagoa by water to be connected by road.
The multi billion naira senatorial road projects when completed, will increase economic activities and bring about accelerated development. It will considerably open the entire state for commerce and other socio-economic engagements. So, clearly, Diri is taking Bayelsa to where it ought to be.
He is thinking seriously of the deep sea port in Agge. He has made suggestive declarations that it will be one of the major focus of his second term. He knows the importance of a deep sea port to the economy of the state and his eyes are fixed on it. This strategic thinking is part of the reason the people believe that Diri is by far better than Sylva.
Also, under Diri in more than three years, Bayelsa has enjoyed relative peace. The people can move freely and sleep with both eyes closed. Night life is booming. All of these are deliberate efforts put in place by the governor. A man who thinks of the safety and welfare of his people first. This has been his topmost priority from his first day in office. Unlike in the past, he is not using the state security apparatus to go after opposition politicians. He has not also aligned with any cult group to make the state unstable and amass more funds for security in the name of security vote.
Even with the election close by, the level of peace and stability is unprecedented. This is due to the high level of political maturity and tolerance. Diri is not known to be a man that promotes violence and the culture of brigandage. His peaceful mien is contagious and that again is why he is better than his main challenger, Chief Sylva.
For five years as governor, Sylva had the opportunity and huge resources at his disposal to make a difference but he didn’t. In fact he was quoted to have said the three Senatorial roads particularly that of Nembe/Brass was not economically viable.
It was same Sylva who for cynical reasons criticized the Bayelsa International Cargo Airport. He took Diri’s predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson to the cleaners for building what he allegedly described as a flood prone airport. The demarketing of the airport was reported to have caused the delay in the commencement of commercial flight operations. It took Diri a tirelessly effort to secure all the necessary operational and regulatory licenses in 2021. Today, Sylva frequently uses the airport without any remorse or shame.
Sylva has publicly admitted that he failed while he was governor. He attributed it to being naive on account of his age cum youthfulness. He has promised to do better if given another opportunity. Very laugable. If we indulge his flimsy excuse, what happened to him as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources?
Sylva performed many groundbreaking ceremonies and left it like that. He did not attract any tangible thing to the state for four years. He has been accused by people including Diri of working against the state’s collective interest. At a campaign rally recently, Governor Diri said letters were written to Sylva to strike partnerships for the development of some critical projects but till he left office, he did not acknowledge any of the letters.
If truly Sylva has the interest of Bayelsa, one wonders why he will settle for a man like Joshua Maciver as his running mate. A man whose antecedents is irresponsible and whose past is questionable. Maciver, an ex-militant leader and ex-convict is all shade of a bad news to prospective investors. As a state, Bayelsa cannot be retrogressing on account of leadership deficit and that is what the APC running mate represents.
Diri on the other has the indefatigable, highly educated and publicly tried, tested and proven performer, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as his running mate. There is no basis for making or attempting to make comparisons between the two deputy governorship candidates.
Ewhrudjakpo, a seasoned lawyer, former Commissioner for Works and former Senator has worked to support his boss since they came into office. His impressive credentials bears testimony of his intellect.
He is cerebral with uncommon depth and wisdom. His counterpart on the other hand cannot come close. He lacks public acceptance, finesse and the suitable personality for that office.
It has become obvious, the danger of having Sylva and Maciver at the State Government House. We have seen the threats issued by APC running and the corresponding attack on innocent people because of their political affilliation. We cannot allow the dark days to come again.
It is, therefore, left for Bayelsans to return Diri for another four years. This will enable him continue his good works and more purposeful leadership backed by a clear-cut vision and determination to build a solid future for all Bayelsans. For emphasis, Diri is better and in all ramifications. If we want a prosperous, harmonious and developed state, then we must ensure Diri is returned as Governor of Bayelsa state.
Think Bayelsa, Think Diri.
Barr. Deinmobofa Tantua
is the Director Strategic Communications
Network of Bayelsa Professionals (NBP)
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