Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and former Senate President, David Mark, have reiterated the need for all presidential aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to close ranks and work for the overall success of the party.
The duo made the call when the former Senate President and presidential aspirant led his campaign team on a consultative visit to Government House, Yenagoa, at the weekend.
A press statement signed by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei, quoted Governor Dickson as saying that the PDP could not afford to disappoint Nigerians as the citizenry is looking up to the party to effect the desired change in country’s political leadership in 2019.
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Governor Dickson therefore urged all the aspirants to pursue their ambition of becoming the PDP standard bearer with a spirit of sportsmanship and readiness to obey the overriding will of the party at all times.
While acknowledging the contributions of the former Senate President towards nation building, the Governor described him as a true patriot who played a pivotal role in stabilising the polity especially during the Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
His words, “You are one of the most qualified Nigerians to run for the Presidency of this country. You know this country very well as somebody who has gone through the entire mill.
“Let me therefore once again commend you for throwing your hat into the ring because our country is currently in dire need of experienced, tested and broadminded leaders like you.
“I want to also commend you for standing with and for us the Ijaws at very difficult and trying times.
“When we needed support, in your characteristic manner, you never let us down throughout the tenure of our brother. I saw how you deepen our democracy and stabilised the national assembly by mobilising support for former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“And as a people who are known for rewarding those who stand by us, you will never find us wanting.”
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Governor Dickson, who assured that he would work closely with other critical stakeholders to ensure a transparent and credible party primaries, urged the presidential aspirant to carry Bayelsa and the Niger Delta along in the country’s scheme of things when the PDP clinches power in the forthcoming general elections.
Mark who described himself as the most suitably qualified aspirant to fly the PDP flag in the 2019 presidential election, however, pledged to abide by the outcome of the party primaries billed to hold on the 6th of October 2018.