Why l Joined Bayelsa Governorship Race – Chief Timipre Sylva

Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, said he joined the December 5 governorship race to rescue the state from its “current” political confusion and economic hopelessness.

Sylva in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, told his supporters to remain steadfast and focus on the goal of winning the governorship election in the state.

The former governor spoke following the postponement of the All Progressive Congress governorship primary from September 19 to September 22.

He said: “I appeal to all our supporters, delegate

s, and the entire APC family in Bayelsa State to stay focused, positive, and determined as we wait for the new date, September 22, fixed by the national headquarters of our great party for the primary election in the state.

“My participation in the governorship race is borne out of a firm decision to help steer our state away from the current course of political confusion and economic hopelessness, and return it to the path of freedom, progress, and hope. The foundation upon which our founding fathers had agitated and won the struggle for a distinct political territory within Nigeria.

“That resolve, having been backed by the popular opinion of our people, I assure you that we are on course. I have no doubt that come next Tuesday, I would emerge the candidate of our great party, APC, for the December 5 governorship election.

“The primary election is just a process to our ultimate goal of retrieving our collective political destiny from the PDP grabbers, who have arrested the development of the state since 2012, and fulfilling it for the good of all.”

Sylva, who is also the leader of APC in the state, further appealed for calm and understanding among APC members in state.

He said: “We should de-emphasise the small differences that necessarily accompany primary elections like this and focus our attention on the big picture, the collective responsibility of rescuing our state from the stranglehold of a few intolerant despots masquerading as politicians in PDP. We will win.

“Bayelsa must be free. Bayelsa must progress. Bayelsa must change with the wind of change blowing across the land.”