the truth will be revealed in the end

Sylva’s Disqualification: Shagari And Gowon Advise Jonathan

Former President Shehu Shagari and former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, have advised President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to act like a statesman and desist from his overbearing manipulation of the internal politics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
in his home state.
According to a source close to Shagari, the two national leaders in separate phone calls, warned the President that his direct involvement in the crisis engulfing the party in the state belittled his stature as leader of the nation.
Most importantly, the two national leaders, were miffed by the deployment of security agencies to the state at a time the Jonathan government appears lost about how to handle pressing security challenges in parts of the country.
The phone calls, it was gathered, was an idea mooted by Shagari and the two leaders later agreed to call Jonathan separately believing that the strategy will exert more pressure on the President.
The president was said to have assured them that he had no role in the crisis, saying it was purely a party affair.
The pressure by the two national leaders followed similar appeals by national leaders like Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Laiwa Kaita, Alhaji Abdulkareem Daiyabu and Civil rights activist, Mallam Sheu Sani following the controversial disqualification of incumbent Governor, Timipre Sylva from the PDP Gubernatorial primaries.
Kaita, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees said the decision to stop Sylva from pursuing his ambition for a second term was unfortunate and an infringement of his fundamental right.
Balarabe Musa, who is the Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), also described President Jonathan’s role in the crisis “as bad politics,” warning the President to learn from the mistakes of the past.
Musa commended Governor Sylva for going this far in the legal tussle and urged him “not to give up.”

@Na So, Na wa for u bros? Which one you dey? U don forget say GEJ meet 65 billion for inside account wey Alamieyeseigha left for him? What did he do with it? Have you taken time to drive round Yenegoa to see the achievements of Sylva, anyway, my hand no dey sha.
All I know is that Dickson is not a better option bros.

We need to wake up for Bayelsa, no be say na only kain kain make we dey drink.

Na wa oooo.

Tx.

Radio! Word of Mouth!

?

Just do your media planning and buying well.

No! Damn to expensive.

That is the high level of insecurity in this our Naija.

Rebrand dear.

No! God forbid.

List them out and work towards next year.

Hmm. How will u manage online 419?

Great.

No you can't.

1) Feasibility survey
2) get your ISBN number at the library
3) Get your business plan right

Tough one.

@Na so, how dey you say that? Have u ever been to Bayelsa? Did you see all the completed projects by Timi? What did GEJ do as the Governor apart from drinking and allowing Madam Patience to take possession of all properties.

What do you mean words of a wounded lion? What do you know about Bayelsa politics that will make you run your mouth like that?

By Timi Opokuma
Events in Bayelsa State, in the past two months, have given the lie to the People’s Democratic Party’s pursuit of internal democracy and reformation. That the drama is being staged in the home state of President Goodluck Jonathan has also cast a doubt on the President’s commitment to electoral reform. In spite of denials, many people believe that Jonathan has a hand in the travails of Governor Timipre Sylva.

The Bayelsa episode has no semblance of transparency, which is the hallmark of Jonathan’s electoral reform and the PDP has not come out in clear terms to justify the disqualification of Sylva. Initially, the coast was clear for the governor. The Bayelsa State Gubernatorial Screening Committee headed by Brig. Idi Adamu (rtd.) had on October 29, given the governor the go-ahead to contest the November 19 PDP governorship primaries. He was even given a certificate with serial number 0000012. But prior to this exercise, there had been rumours that powerful men close to the President were uncomfortable with Sylva.

But before Sylva could finish shouting Hosanna, the PDP, in a manner reminiscent of undemocratic primaries conducted during Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, set up a governorship appeal committee headed by a former deputy governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Olujimi. Right from the outset, it was obvious that the committee had a hidden agenda as its workings were shrouded in secrecy. When it submitted its report to the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the elders of the party, who eventually withheld the governor’s clearance, it was clear that it was acting a script.

However, the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Kawu Baraje, in a desperate, but futile move to rationalize the party’s decision, said the governor had been told the reasons he was excluded from the governorship primaries. But in a swift reaction, Sylva’s Chief Press Secretary, Doifie Ola, said “At no time did Baraje discuss the so-called sins with him (the governor). We are aware that the PDP national chairman has been giving different ‘reasons’ to different people on the illegal exclusion of the governor. But at last, Baraje has exposed the fact that there was no reason known to law and commonsense for the exclusion of the governor.” The war of words between the governor and the PDP leaders is an indication that democracy is on trial in the party. That the PDP is at a crossroads as far Bayelsa issue is concerned is an understatement.

Surprisingly, amidst the victimization, Gov. Sylva has remained unperturbed and rebuffed all attempts to pit him against the President. “What is clear to me, my supporters, and indeed all lovers of democracy in our dear country Nigeria, is that there is a desperate attempt by certain forces to illegally exclude me from seeking re-election as Governor of Bayelsa State on the platform of the PDP,” the governor noted in reaction to the shenanigans of the PDP.

When it became obvious that the leadership of the party could not protect him from hawks within its fold, the governor headed for the Federal High Court, on November 16. The court issued an injunction ordering the PDP not to hold its primaries scheduled for November 19. In a manner that was only reflective of its confused state, the party initially said it did not get the injunction. Later when it swallowed its pride and admitted that it had received it, the PDP vowed to disobey the court order.

If anybody had thought that the PDP under Jonathan had undergone a complete rebirth, such a person must have perished the thought. Like the PDP, under Jonathan’s godfather, Obasanjo, the party leaders treated the court order with disdain. The party’s action negated the President’s self-acclaimed commitment to the rule of law.

The PDP went ahead to hold the primaries, but thank God, the Independent National Electoral Commission distanced itself from the illegality of the party that prides itself as the biggest in Africa. The election umpire refused to send its officials to the illegal primaries, citing the court injunction. The Commissioner in Charge of Information, Mr. Solomon Soyebi, noted that “INEC is a law abiding commission and since there is a court order, we will not do anything that is contrary to the provisions of the law. We at the commission obey court orders.” But like the proverbial hunter’s dog that is doomed to get lost, the PDP was not moved by INEC’s absence. It conducted the primaries, which was a colossal failure before it even started. It was widely boycotted by key functionaries as well as lawmakers from the State and the National Assembly.

Five aspirants -- Christopher Fullpower Enai, Boloubo Orufa, Fred Korobido Ekiyegha, Austin Febo, and Francis Amaebi Doukpola -- at a press conference in Yenogoa, rejected the ward congress that preceded the primaries, where a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Henry Dickson, was declared as winner.

Since the struggle for the soul of Bayelsa started, activities in the state have been grounded. This has been compounded by the deployment of troops in the state capital as residents live in perpetual fear of troops and policemen who take advantage of the tension in the state to exploit innocent citizens.

Surprisingly, the governor has been receiving support from unexpected quarters. For instance, the National Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buba Galadima, has said that the doors of the party are open to embattled governor.

According to Galadima, “The ruling PDP and the Presidency cannot succeed in portraying to Nigerians and the world that what is going on in the Bayelsa governorship primaries is an internal affair of the party. “CPC stands for progress, democracy, human rights and justice. As an innocent victim of fascism, CPC is sympathetic to Governor Sylva and other victims of PDP’s and the president’s injustice. Our party’s doors are wide open to all. We are willing to give every Nigerian a sanctuary against injustice and victimization by the state,” he said.

Also, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) described PDP’s decision as an imposition that was against the tenets of democracy globally. It said “the power to decide who represents the party at the polls lies with the members of the party in the state. The PDP national leadership’s intervention is unjustifiable and overbearing. We will not sit back and watch the people suffer. The CNPP will mobilise all its members in Bayelsa for Sylva. We will ensure that the power to decide who rules Bayelsa State still lies with the people in the long run.”

By now, the PDP and the hawks that surround Jonathan should know that it is not only opposition parties that are interested in what is going on in Bayelsa. Countries which gave Jonathan a pass mark over the conduct of the April polls are eagerly waiting to see the epilogue of the drama that started in the state two months ago. Is the President going back to the vomit of 2007? That is the billion naira question!

Timi Opokuma writes from Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The desperate desire by the Presidency in Abuja to shut Bayelsa State governor, Timipreye Silva, out of next year's governorship election in the state is nothing new in politics. As a matter of fact, his punishment is coming too late. Thank goodness that it is not the former garrison commander, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo that is involved.

One very paramount thing that we are yet to come to terms with, when it comes to power game is that political sins are never forgiven. Even if Goodluck Jonathan is good enough to overlook Silva's' sins' against him when he stood alone in the rain as Vice President, Dame Patience Jonathan would not be patient enough to forgive him. Moreover, the president would need a perpetual loyalist to ensure that he is treated like the Commander -in- Chief that he is, on home front.

The pains and humiliation of a seating president not enjoying the loyalty of his home governor is too much of a risk for Jonathan to take.

The actions of Abuja in this whole saga, is simply to protect its interest, which is the hallmark of politics. Mr. President cannot afford rebellion from his own home in the face of growing instability around the country. So power must be used effectively or we should have no business being in power. According to Machiavelli, a Prince should not mind incurring the charge of cruelty for the purpose of keeping his subjects united and faithful. No body, born of a woman, except a coward would allow himself to be boxed into a corner, when you have an enormous power such as is available to the president.

Come to think of it, how popular is Silva in Bayelsa State? And what is his performance rating? Instead of crying over spilt milk, he should, if he is popular enough, decamp to any of the numerous political parties, the same way Isa Yuguda, decamped to the All Nigeria's People's Party (ANPP), when he was denied the ticket of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), in the prelude to the 2007 general elections. He won. Or Olusegun Mimiko, who defied Aso Rock, left the PDP, joined Labour Party and won Ondo state governorship.

If Sylva thinks he enjoys the backing of majority of Bayelsans, Bayelsa elders or Goodluck Jonathan notwithstanding, he would overcome.

One question we must answer is this: Supposing Jonathan lost the presidency due to lack of support from his home governor during the succession palaver, how would we have explained that? If the counsel of Niccolo Machiavelli is any guide, Silva's political sins in that scenario would deserve political amputation.

Governor Silva's fate is also a serious lesson for other politicians and non-politicians alike. No one knows tomorrow. So, if you are digging a hole so that Hamman would fall into, please dig am jeje, incase na you go fall inside.

Abeg Atiku, old news. Make we rest.

Na wa o.

It looks real.

So fake!

Thumps up.

Sad. We have lost a great one.

Sir Winston Churchill was right, when he said “the truth is incontrovertible, panic may resent it, ignorance may deride it, and malice may distort it, but there it is”At a time like this, when Gov. Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State is seeking re-election, it is to be expected that critics and the so called opposition would be poised to play the spoiler. The most important strategies are rather predictable: "What has the governor done to deserve re-election?" He has foreign bank accounts, and owns a conglomerate of companies and business concerns.
It is very easy to be a critic. Also when you crave relevance, simply pitch tent with the opposition as a critic, you can be assured of being treated as a celebrity. "What is the government doing?", "Does this governor expect us to endure this rubbish?" are some of the catch phrases you must learn how to deploy once you set out to be a critic.

I do not see them changing strategy at this stage. For the critics of Sylva, the measure of achievement is confined to a discourse on physical structures and public infrastructure. How many roads have been built by the Sylva administration? How many new schools built and old ones renovated? Are there massive bridges being constructed? How many transformers have been procured and distributed to communities? What of industries?
It is no wonder that so much money and fun fare accompany the commissioning of projects by our chief executives. And some of them have indeed elevated the weird practice to the level of the obscene, such that they are on live television to celebrate so called "Festival of Projects" every other week.
But the Sylva administration has made the state more united, peaceful and irrevocably hoisted on progress and development. It is the same reason for which Sylva seems to have triumphed above his traducers.
Indeed, one must ask why the governor has consistently returned victorious, even when all odds are staked against him. Why is the opposition unable to displace him even after enlisting conspiracies at the highest level?
It is appropriate at this stage to recall that Sylva took over the reins of administration in 2007 against the backdrop of insecurity and threat to lives and property, particularly in Yenagoa, the state capital and the creeks. Armed robbery, hostage taking, and attack on oil installations were the order of the day.
The Niger Delta was a hotbed of crisis, with Bayelsa State as a major flashpoint. Although the crisis which started in the creeks was originally designed for economic emancipation and environmental justice, it snowballed into intense militancy. It manifested in the form of illegal oil bunkering, violation of oil facilities, kidnapping for ransom and other glaring acts of criminality which adversely affected the Internally Generated Revenue of Bayelsa.
The insecurity in the State was heightened by the proliferation of lethal weaponry and gun running characterized by pervasive criminality among the angry youths.
In Bayelsa State, the deployment of federal troops led to the destruction of many communities. Virtually all communities tasted the bitter pills of military invasion, destruction and siege.
He discovered that the upsurge of militancy is a by-product of marginalization and youth unemployment.
And accordingly went to work by putting in place the institutional framework and strategy for conflict resolution and peace building. Four major steps were taken in this direction.
On December 6, 2007, Sylva signed a Peace Accord with all armed militants to the effect that there should be cessation of hostilities. Hence, December 6th of every year was declared as Peace Day in Bayelsa State. The Sylva administration decided to take this bold initiative in recognition of the fact that without peace, there can hardly be development in any modern society.
He established the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, with Chief James Jephthah as Chairman. Chief Jephthah met with nineteen ex-militant leaders and persuaded them to renounce the pressure from politicians to provoke conflict in the State. Accordingly, the Committee promised that ex-militants will be recognised and accorded their respect as partners in the peaceful journey if only they renounced violence. It is against this background that Governor Timipre Sylva is described as the principal architect of the amnesty programme even before the Federal government embraced it.
Little wonder that, when the Federal Government established the Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee headed by former Senator Brigidi, the Jephthah Committee worked hand-in-hand with the national Chairman of the Committee. The Committee embarked on a tour of militants' camps in the creeks to parley with them on the need to give peace a chance. The Committee also embarked on massive awareness campaign and won over many militants to embrace peace.
Conscious of people's expectations, the governor promptly inaugurated the famu tangbei- a Security outfit to police criminality. For operational efficiency, government donated a fleet of 20 Toyota Hilux vehicles to the Bayelsa State police Command as well as 20 speedboats to the security outfit to protect lives and property in the waterways. So far, the security outfit has lived up to expectation.
This saw a drastic reduction in militancy and crime to the barest minimum, following this up by advocating that the Federal Government should offer amnesty to the aggrieved youths in the creeks as a way of restoring total peace in the Niger Delta.
Regrettably, envy from the high echelon disbanded it. The mastermind also ensured the shake up in the state police command, leading to a sad question “why must we play politics with human lives and security.
The initiative of the government in providing street lights has further cut down crime. Whereas kidnapping, robbery, car snatching and political assassinations are rampant in neighbouring states, the reverse is the case in Bayelsa. Yenagoa in particular has witnessed unusual influx of migrants as direct consequence.
Perhaps of greater significance is that students in tertiary institutions also enjoy enhanced bursary, while first class graduates are giving a scholarship to pursue their masters and doctorate programmes in any part of the world, thus engendering excellence among the youths.
Today, as politics heats up, the most noise is coming from those expecting the governor to out rightly "share the money", which he has bluntly turned down. Bayelsans themselves may be at the forefront of Sylva's re-election.
The sordid eyesore unfolding in the Bayelsa gubernatorial politics tells the story of desperados in a last dance to loot the treasury. And pitifully, the parties and personalities featured in the political carnage hide their faces in the sand of greed and selfishness. They reside majorly in Abuja.
The operators and leaders of the PDP have made no secret of it as one of the South West leaders of the party stated that the PDP is 'fixing' to teach the governor of Bayelsa State a lesson he will never forget. He was quoted in the National Tribune Newspaper. That means the PDP has become a quandary against the tenets upon which democracy rests upon ethics and morals of fairness, openness and true transparency of a democratic system.
Thus far there has been no convincing reason for the so-called National PDP to deny the Governor of Bayelsa, Timipre Sylva the chance to contest in the PDP primaries against the upcoming gubernatorial elections slated for 2012 in Bayelsa. Instead, what the PDP has found themselves engaging is playing the dirty good old game the way it played during the dark horrid days of the Obasanjo regime when the PDP w as a despotic body that crushed and elevated people's careers and lives as Obasanjo deemed fit. An ugly past that INEC boss, Prof Attahiru Jega has come to clean.
In Adamawa State where a similar gubernatorial election is scheduled to hold in 2012. Gov. Nyako was not only cleared to participate in the PDP primaries, his opponents were actively encouraged to drop their gubernatorial aspirations for the governor. The same appears the case in Kogi State. The chosen candidate of the Governor of Kogi State was given a near automatic ticket for the gubernatorial contest of 2012.
The questions become why the disparity in Bayelsa State? Why the interference? Could it be that the Presidency might have a hand in the ongoing maladies showcased by the fledgling PDP? Is President Jonathan really involved? Why would President want to deny Gov Timipre Sylva the PDP ticket? What does Jonathan have against Sylva?
The peculiarities surrounding the coming of President Jonathan into the public terrain owes plenty to the mercy and grace of justice and equity and the embracing arms and hopes of the down pressed boosted by the spirit of a silent revolution of an oppressed majority. It is not farfetched expecting for him to understand the tenets of equity and justice for all regardless of personal feelings or experience.
A cogent advice for President Jonathan would be for him to unclog the wheels of democracy and allow the process of fairness and equity to proceed without further interference. To do less is to prove a hypocrite.
To deny Sylva the chance to contest is undemocratic. The PDP and Jonathan must understand this.
It may have been perceived that Chief Sylva has the backing of Bayelsans and therefore the candidate to beat, hence the fear that may have driven the adversaries to plot the unfashionable.
All the allegations of fraud is sacrilegious hypocrisy. The triumph-up thoughts are not only frivolous but also a figment of the authors, who themselves are fraudulent. But, like the biblical admonition, a voice within me just asked, “who among Sylva's accusers stands among the prophets, let him cast the first stone”.
For the avoidance of doubt, here is a list of few of the great achievements of governor Sylva.
In 1000 days, Sylva engaged in massive road constructions and bridges, and today all roads in Yenagoa are inter linked.
He constructed and commissioned the Diete-Koki Memorial Hospital, Melford Okilo Specialist Hospital among other giant strides in the health sector.
On education, Sylva has made out breaking achievements. All the courses in Niger Delta university have received accreditation. The Law School at Agudama, College of Education, Okpoma, robust bursaries to students and award of scholarships to indigent students for study overseas and the revival of primary and secondary education are some of his achievements.
In sports development, power supply, transport, housing, culture and industries among others, the administration has done very well.
What is clear in this circumstance is that ignorance and deep seated malice are resenting, deriding and distorting the obvious facts.

By Nna Frank-Jack