Kinsmen of the late Ijaw leader and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, at the weekend trooped out at a mega rally in Amassoma with a resounding pledge to ensure the re-election of the state Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson.
The state governorship election is slated for December 5, 2015.
Dickson had rounded off his extensive campaign tour to the Ogboin Kingdom, meeting the people in Otuan, Amassoma and Amatolo communities on his re-election bid and solicited their support.
In their speeches, the traditional rulers, political leaders, youths and women groups from the kingdom lauded what they said were the impressive performance of the governor in his first term and assured him of their preparedness to make his re-election bid a reality.
Bubaraye Azebi, who spoke on behalf of the Amassoma community, lamented the sudden passage of Chief Alamieyeseigha, who he described as a political hero, but expressed confidence in the governor’s ability to sustain the vision of their deceased son in terms of developing the area in particular and the state in general.
According to Azebi, the community was happy to identify with Dickson’s re-election because of the sense of belonging he said his administration had given to them.
He cited the connection of Amassoma to the national grid, appointment of several indigenes to positions of public trust, construction of the Etegwe-Tombia section of the Yenagoa/Amassoma Road, building of schools and the international cargo airport in the area.
Speaker after speaker at the rally, including the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Akpoebide Alamieyeseigha; a member of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Kate Owoko; the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Council, Chief Remember Ogbe; ex-lawmaker, Hon. Kuroakigha Dorgu; Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation, Hon. Steven Diver; Chief Douye Naingba; Chief Patrick Osunu; Hon. Solomon Apreala; Apretari Ogugu; and the Chairman of Ogboin Rural Development Authority, Hon. Timpre Asari, assured the governor of victory in the area.
Responding, a highly elated Governor Dickson expressed delight at the massive turn out and groundswell of support demonstrated by the people.
He announced the state government’s decision to immediately clear the outstanding electricity bills amounting to N10 million owed by the Amassoma community to enable them enjoy power supply.
While assuring the people of the area of more government’s presence in his second term, Dickson urged them to remain steadfast in their support for the PDP and not allow themselves to be intimidated on the day of the election.
He reiterated his call on the Federal Government to do everything possible to provide a level playing ground for all political parties participating in the election in order to maintain the existing peace and stability in the state before, during and after the poll.
The governor, who called for a moment of silence in honour of the late Alamieyeseigha, said: “Today comes across both as a sad and happy day to me and my team.
“Sad in the sense that if our leader were alive, he would not have only addressed us here but would have also hosted us in his house for dinner before our departure.
“But be that as it may, I know his spirit is still with us, seeing the kind of support and the very warm reception you have given to me and the entire campaign team.
“Since the inception of my administration, I have never for once doubted your support.
“You have always been good to me.
“That is why this government will continue to carry you along in its scheme of things.
“We have not come here to campaign but assure you that God Almighty will keep all of you safe on the day of the election as you come out to vote massively for the PDP that has always protected our interest.
“We know that the other party is not ready for election.
“They don’t even regard you the voters.
“That is why they are threatening that they will win the election by any means.
“But I urge you not to be intimidated by anybody, including those who want to wear fake military uniforms on that day.
“Come out and vote and also stay back to protect your votes because I repeat nobody can intimidate or harass you as there will be adequate security on ground.”
Present at the rally were the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd); the Chairman of theAdvisory Council of the Restoration Campaign Organisation, Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange; the Director General of the Campaign Organisation, Chief Fred Agbedi; and former Deputy Governor of the state, Peremobowei Ebebi, among other PDP chieftains.