The political influence of former president Goodluck Jonathan seems to have whittled down in his home state of Bayelsa, after he lost the March 28, presidential election to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Former president Jonathan’s lost of influence resurfaces as his close confidants and kinsmen are expected to defect to the All Progressives Congress this weekend, Vanguard reports.
One of the major blow to the Jonathan backed Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the December 5 election and the incumbent governor of the state, Seriake Dickson is the impending defection of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who served between 2007 and 2015, explaining that his defection is hinged on the need for true change in the state.
He said: “The reason why I am leaving is because PDP is dead in Bayelsa and I want to be part of the change that is coming to Bayelsa and indeed Nigeria.”
It was gathered that other bigwigs that are expected to follow Lokpobiri footsteps this weekend are Senators Clever ikisipo, John Brambaifa, two former governors of the state, Nestor Binabo and Werinipre.
Others are Peremobowei Ebebi, Ambassador Emmanuel Otiotio, Dr. Stella Dorgu, Prof. Terila Tebapah, Christopher Enai, Warman Ogoriba, Bonus Indiamaowei, Nelson Belief, Nadu Karibo, Gideon Ekeowe and Fini Angaye.
It was learnt that following the high profile of the defectors the event would be graced by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who would be on ground to receive them to the ruling APC at a ceremony that is expected to take place in the state capital, Yenagoa.
Given the high profile of the defectors it is not surprising that the APC is reported to be sending its number two man in the Federal Government to receive them into the ruling party.
“PDP is dead because we have a governor who has refused to perform. All those who say that the governor has performed, let them tell you the projects that the governor has commissioned. Is it in Yenogoa alone that he is? Is there any project? The roads going to my area are not even cleared.
“The simple truth is that I am leaving because the PDP as led by the present governor is dead and we have no choice but to be part of the change going on in the country,”Lokpbobiri said.
It was gathered that the reason behind the defection of these high profile defectors is due to there grievances with the incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson.
No comments:
Post a Comment