Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state for attacking former President Goodluck Jonathan over personal comments he made during a visit to Governor Douye Diri last Friday.
The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ebiye Ogoli, in a statement on Monday, accused the APC of twisting the former president’s comments in order to pour out its frustrations after woefully losing the November 11 governorship election in the state.
For clarity, His Excellency Dr. Jonathan, while congratulating the governor during the visit, said: “I told myself that if Diri loses this election, I might consider moving my mother to Abuja.”
The PDP, therefore, wonders how in an election contested by candidates of 16 political parties, the APC had to misappropriate Dr. Jonathan’s comment as if it was directed at the party or its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva.
“For emphasis, the former president never mentioned the APC nor its candidate throughout the course of the visit.
“Since his forthright comment appeared in the media, the APC and its array of faceless, contemptible, lick-spittle groups have been inconsolable, acting like a forcefully weaned baby.
“Placed in proper context, Dr. Jonathan’s comment alluded to and reflected the peace, security and stability that Bayelsa State has witnessed under the Governor Diri administration, which is a fact generally acknowledged by residents of the state.
“The Bayelsa APC so-called leaders and groups, who are actually lackeys of the party’s governorship candidate, continue to make themselves a laughing stock for their intemperate and disrespectful tirades against Nigeria’s icon of democracy.
“If anyone is suffering any sort of frustration or mental crisis, it is the Bayelsa APC and its candidate that are yet to come to terms with the shellacking they got on November 11.
“We advise them to lick their wound with some decorum and not misdirect their anger towards an innocent statesman who spoke truth from his heart.
“Even beyond Bayelsa, the violent character and disposition of the Bayelsa APC leaders and their candidates in the last election is well-known and documented.
“If Bayelsans had any fear, it was that the state might return to the infamous days of Famou Tangbe, cultism, cult wars and attack on political opponents etc. if Governor Diri was not re-elected.
“So, the electorate were not only determined to protect their votes but to also ensure that the governor was returned to Creek Haven. The final result was the true reflection of the mindset of Bayelsans and what they indeed wanted. The outpouring of celebration and congratulatory messages equally confirmed this. We wonder why Sylva and his cohorts quarrel with this truth.
“Our party again uses this opportunity to appreciate former President Jonathan for his gracious endorsement and unflinching support for our candidate as well as the Bayelsa people for standing solidly behind the PDP and the Prosperity Administration.” The statement read in part