Bayelsa founding fathers support Diri

Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

 

BAYELSA State founding fathers have supported the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Douye Diri and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ehwrujakpor.

Those who supported Diri, described as ridiculous, the reported endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Chief David Lyon, by some founding fathers.

The Director of Media and Publicity, Dr. Jonathan Obuebite, said in a statement that the  Chairman of the group, Chief Benedict Guembe, made their position known when the candidate and his running mate visited them at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa.

He said that the group, which claimed to have adopted Lyon, was not recognised and lacked the credibility to endorse any candidate on behalf of the founding fathers.

Guembe said since the beginning of the electioneering process, only two candidates have made their intentions known to the group.

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He said that after assessment of their manifestos, the body decided to endorse Senator Diri, adding that he possessed the qualities to step into the big shoes of Governor Seriake Dickson.

Other members of the forum are Dr. Amba Ambaowe, Prof. Kingsley Alagoa, Prof. Akwagbe, Prof. Dimie and Bishop Jumbo.

Also, the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional rulers gave its royal blessings to Diri.

Diri and his running mate, alongside members of the campaign team, visited the secretariat of the traditional rulers council in Yenagoa to inform the royal fathers of their decision to run for governor and deputy governor.

The Chairman of the council, King Alfred Diete Spiff, who led other monarchs across the state to receive them, described the visit as a symbol of respect for the traditional institution.

He urged Diri to work together with the Federal Government in ensuring the review of the 1999 Constitution to recognise the traditional institution.

Diete Spiff said such review became imperative, following the contributions of the traditional rulers to the sustenance of peace in their domains and contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.

He said the review of the 1999 Constitution was long overdue.