By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
To say that the Saturday, November 16th this year’s governorship election in Bayelsa State, will be keenly contested, particularly among the two leading political parties in the country-All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is, no doubt, an understatement. The election, definitely, will be keenly contested by the various political gladiators. The state is presently under the control of the PDP.In a state that has a former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan among other top politicians, a keenly contested election among the different political class should, naturally, be envisaged or expected.
The process leading to the governorship election in Bayelsa as well as Kogi State (the elections in both States will hold same day) has commenced.The PDP, for instance, has commenced the sales of nomination/expression of interest forms for interested aspirants in both States.One of those who have already bought the nomination/expression of interest forms in Bayelsa state is a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDCC, Mr Timi Alaibe, who has been indicating/showing his interest in the number one political office in the state as far back as 2003. Another person who has also picked his nomination/expression of interest forms is Mr. Keniebi Okoko.Mr Timi Alaibe, who is well loved by his people, after collecting his forms at the PDP headquarters in Abuja last week Thursday assured that he will address the fundamental issues responsible for youth restiveness and create an enabling environment for job creation to the youths.
Alaibe further promised that he will consolidate on the fortunes of the Seriake Dickson administration, assuring that he will ensure that infrastructure, education, health care and security is given critical considerations.
According to him, “We are clear as to what we want to do in terms of our objectives. As a PDP state, we want to retain Bayelsa State. As such we are going to, as governor, consolidate on the good great work that our governor, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, has done so far in Bayelsa State. “We are going to consolidate on his achievements, especially his work in areas of critical infrastructure in the education sector, health and other critical infrastructural projects.
“ My administration will effectively convey Social Investment benefits to the state, make good use of Bayelsa Coastlines and ensure that peace is restored in the state.
“For us, as vision, we will espouse our belief of using government as a social investment platform in the implementation of social infrastructural projects in security, health and environment. More importantly, we will espouse our interest in using government as an enabler for the maintenance of a peaceful and conducive environment to attract private sector capital, experience and strategy in implementing accelerated economic development.
“We will utilise that in also implementing environmental projects to redeem ecological degradation in the Niger Delta. We will also be utilising that in implementing projects that have to do with tourism and some of the critical blue ocean projects, which are key to creation of jobs for our people and grow the economy of Bayelsa State.
“It is critical that we utilise the advantage of having the longest coast line in Nigeria. That will change the economic landscape of our state” he said.
Alaibe expressed the firm optimism that with the overwhelming support he is getting from the people of Bayelsa State, his victory is assured.
Speaking on his chances compared to those of other aspirants who are also in the race, Alaibe said, “There is no need for comparative analysis. I am coming into the race with incomparable wealth of experience both in the public and private sectors. I have never been a failure in anything I set out to do. And I will not fail my people as a governor.”I am compassionate. I am a bridge builder. I am a peace advocate. I have strong leadership qualities. I am success story when it comes to managing human and material resources.”I have a strong network of friends and partners to draw development ideas and resources from at any critical moment for the good of my state. These are what I am bringing to the table”, he declared.
While however, speaking on his chances after collecting his nomination/expression of
interest forms, Mr. Keniebi Okoko said, “I am anointed by God, I do not know about cabal. I do not think there is cabal in Bayelsa State PDP. When God calls you, I am also a part time pastor in Salvation Ministries. If you are anointed by God, it is the most important anointing. PDP has always run a free and fair elections in Bayelsa and I do not think there is any cabal in Bayelsa that will anoint any candidate. The National Chairman and state chapter of the party has said.
