The Bayelsa State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state for their censure of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s personal statement made during his recent visit to Governor Douye Diri.
Media Talk Africa previously reported that the elders council of the APC launched a scathing attack on former President Goodluck Jonathan following his statement that he would have relocated his mother to Abuja if the APC had emerged victorious in the just concluded election.
During his visit to the governor after his victory was announced, Jonathan expressed concerns about the potential security challenges that would have arisen in the state if Diri had not won the election.
In a press release issued on Monday, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ebiye Ogoli, accused the APC of distorting the former President’s remarks.
Ogoli stated, “To clarify, His Excellency Dr. Jonathan, while congratulating the governor during the visit, said: ‘I told myself that if Diri loses this election, I might consider moving my mother to Abuja’.”
“The PDP is therefore perplexed as to how the APC could misconstrue Jonathan’s comment as if it was directed at the party or its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, in an election contested by candidates of 16 political parties.
“It is important to note that the former president never mentioned the APC nor its candidate throughout the entire visit.
“Since his sincere comment was publicized, the APC and its assortment of anonymous, contemptible, sycophantic groups have been inconsolable, behaving like a forcefully weaned baby.
“When put in the right context, Dr. Jonathan’s comment referred to and mirrored the peace, security, and stability that Bayelsa State has experienced under the Governor Diri administration, a fact widely acknowledged by the state’s residents.
“The so-called leaders and groups of the Bayelsa APC, who are actually stooges of the party’s gubernatorial candidate, continue to make a mockery of themselves with their intemperate and disrespectful diatribes against Nigeria’s democracy icon.
“If anyone is experiencing any form of frustration or mental turmoil, it is the Bayelsa APC and its candidate who are yet to come to terms with their resounding defeat on November 11.
“We urge them to nurse their wounds with some dignity and not misdirect their anger towards an innocent statesman who spoke truthfully from his heart.
“Even beyond Bayelsa, the violent nature and disposition of the Bayelsa APC leaders and their candidates in the last election are well-documented and widely recognized.
“If the people of Bayelsa had any apprehension, it was that the state might revert to the infamous days of Famou Tangbe, cultism, cult wars, and attacks on political opponents, etc., if Governor Diri was not re-elected.
“Hence, the electorate was not only determined to safeguard their votes but also to ensure the governor’s return to Creek Haven. The final result was a true reflection of the mindset of the people of Bayelsa and their genuine desires. The overwhelming celebrations and congratulatory messages further affirmed this. We are puzzled as to why Sylva and his accomplices dispute this reality.
“Our party seizes this opportunity to once again commend former President Jonathan for his gracious endorsement and unwavering support for our candidate, as well as the people of Bayelsa for firmly standing behind the PDP and the Prosperity Administration.”
