By Kamsi Anayo
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has backed Gov. Douye Diri’s bid for a second term in the upcoming Bayelsa state governorship election on Saturday.
He stated that Diri should be encouraged to complete a second term in office because of the stability of the state, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Daniel Alabrah.
Jonathan was quoted to have spoken when members of the Peoples Democratic Party Bayelsa National Governorship Campaign Council, along with governors, former governors of the party, National Assembly members, and other stakeholders, paid him a visit at his Yenagoa residence.
He said, “I have been in touch with our governor, and I believe he should be encouraged to do his eight years. He has been able to stabilise the state.
“Let us find a standard way of doing things. We cannot kill ourselves; we do not want a crisis. I thank you all for what you are doing. While we struggle for leadership, we must have a country.”
The party leaders visited the state for the grand finale of Diri’s re-election campaign rally.
The former President said he was in touch with Diri and his activities in the state.
He said Bayelsa had made progress in the areas of security and infrastructural development under Diri.
Jonathan expressed delight over the involvement of critical stakeholders such as former governor Seriake Dickson and the former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Ndutimi Alaibe, in the affairs of the party, stressing that it signifies unity within the PDP.
He restated the need for a peaceful election in Bayelsa, insisting that politics was not a do-or-die affair but should be a means to serve the people.
