PDP chieftains, Dickson's aides defeat to APC.

•Sylva promises prosperity
•Odigie-Oyegun urges revolution against hardship

Members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aides of Governor Seriake Dickson and about 2,000 PDP supporters yesterday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State.

The SWC members are the Assistant Secretary, Ben Oliver, the Assistant Organising Secretary, Miriam Kingsley and an ex-officio member, Diepreye Alagha.

Two governor’s aides, Oberighakuma Yousou and Ayobegha James, resigned their appointments and shouted the change mantra of the APC during the campaign inauguration and presentation of flag in Sagbama town, Sagbama Local Government.

Miriam attracted the crowd’s sympathy when she narrated her ordeal in the hands of her former party.

She said: “I was in bondage, but now I’m crossing over to Canaan. I am happy that I have seen the light. I will no longer go back to Pharaoh.”

The local government stood still and identified with APC and the aspiration of its governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Crowds of party faithful and residents trooped to the Sagbama Secondary School playground, brandishing brooms and singing victory songs for Sylva and APC.

The presence of the party’s national leaders and members of the National Campaign Committee added colour to the event.

Members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were led by the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the National Vice-Chairman and ex-Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni.

Others were a member of the National Campaign Committee and former Lagos State Military Administrator Buba Marwa and the APC National Organising Secretary, Osita Izunaso.

The state Chairman of the party, Chief Tiwe Oruminighe and members of the SWC as well as chieftains, including ex-Acting Governor Chief Nestor Binabo and former two-time member of the House of Representatives Warman Ogoriba were at the event.

Odigie-Oyegun, before handing over the flag to Sylva, joined other speakers to praise the people for leading a revolution to salvage their destiny on December 5.

He said the last time Bayelsa experienced development was during Sylva’s tenure.

Odigie-Oyegun said it was a pity that Dickson could not provide light, water and roads in his local government.

He enjoined the people to vote for APC on December 5 and enjoy the dividends of democracy.

While the APC national chairman was speaking, the crowd shouted that Sylva would provide water, light and other amenities.

Sylva, who received the party’s flag amid jubilation, called for a minute’s silence for the late former Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and the late APC chieftain and former PDP Chairman, Col. Sam Inokoba (rtd).

He likened APC’s train to the Biblical Noah’s ark, saying those who failed to enter the ark would be submerged by the opuabadi (sea).

Sylva said if elected, his administration would bring prosperity and end poverty.

Said he: “A new day is approaching in Bayelsa. We are going to bring prosperity and empower people, especially youths. It is our responsibility to look after youths.”

The APC standard-bearer said his government would offer good governance, promising that youths would play roles.

He said his administration would embark on ‘quick-win jobs’ to empower the people and reduce unemployment.

Sylva vowed to stop over-taxation of civil servants, saying it was inhuman.

He dispelled speculations that if he wins, he will relocate the College of Education to his town where it was sited before Dickson took it to his council.

“I will not do that. I will show him (the governor) that I’m not vindictive like him. I love my people and I know that they love me.

“There are unfinished projects that we are going to finish. I will ensure 24-hour power supply in Yenagoa before the end of my tenure.”