The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has asserted that no political office, including that of the governor, is beneath his status in society. He emphasized that no position in public service is too small for him to occupy, as long as it represents a call to service and provides an opportunity to contribute to societal development. Sylva made these remarks in response to a question during an interview with journalists in Yenagoa, where he was perceived as a kingmaker who should support a potential aspirant from his party, the All Progressives Congress, rather than contesting in the upcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State.
During the interview, Sylva argued that the governor’s office does not diminish his political status and that he does not look down on any position of service. He pointed out that the role of a kingmaker is irrelevant, stating, “We must look at the contributions to society, not to look down at any job as too low. You must see every position as a role that helps the growth of the totality. So, every role is important. I don’t look down on any role, first and foremost.” He further clarified that if the people believe he can contribute to the development of a particular situation, he does not view such an opportunity as beneath him. He expressed disappointment at the notion that the governorship is considered beneath him, stating, “Nothing should be beneath a human being; if it is a call to service and your people feel that you can play that role, then you must.”
Sylva recounted a conversation with a senior individual who indicated that Bayelsa requires experienced leadership at this critical juncture. He acknowledged the dissatisfaction among the populace regarding the mediocrity displayed at the leadership level and questioned whether they wished for the current situation to persist. He stated, “As far as I am concerned, kingmaker is not a role.” The former governor highlighted the urgent need for a capable leader to address the state’s challenges, asserting that “the people with capacity must come to the job.” He criticized the prevailing mediocrity and pointed out that many of the state’s problems remain unresolved, with Bayelsa being one of the poorest states in Nigeria in real terms.
Sylva raised concerns about the state’s economic development, questioning the effectiveness of local initiatives beyond federal allocations. He asked, “Apart from the allocation from the Federation, what else do we generate here (in Bayelsa)? How much have we developed the private sector economy? Look at agriculture, even fisheries and the fishing sector. What have we done?” He challenged the perception that he is too prominent to pursue the governorship, urging seriousness in attracting capable individuals to leadership roles. He concluded by expressing confidence in his qualifications for the position, stating, “I believe that I have the experience; I have the exposure and I have the capacity for this job.”
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