Politics:
Race to Bayelsa Government House

As the Bayelsa governorship election slated for November 16, 2019 draws near, aspirants from both the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are positioning to succeed the countryman governor, Seriake Dickson.


Preparations and political activities are already in top gear for the governorship election in Bayelsa state as the gladiators are taking steps to realize their political ambitions. Expression of Interest forms, alliances and all, are being thrown into the game as politicians throw their hats into the rings.

Among the arrays of political parties in the country, the PDP and the APC have remained dominant in the country’s polity. But not a few believe that there exist among the numerous aspirants, what many describe as contenders and pretenders. Given the scenario, both party parades a number of credible aspirants from the state. A lot of intrigues and factors will play out in determining who will fly the flag for the two major political parties. In the PDP, the restoration group which is a caucus group headed by the governor are already shopping for a replacement for a credible replacement for Governor Dickson. On the other hand, loyalists of former President Goodluck Jonathan believes that the former President holds the ace in their making it to the Bayelsa government house. Amongst the notable aspirants that have indicated their interest to slug it out for the governorship ticket includes three prominent members of the Restoration group. They are, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Talford Ongolo, the Secretary to the state government, Barr. Kemela Okara and the Senator representing Bayelsa Central District, Senator Douye Diri. They have all indicated interest by picking the nomination form.

The Deputy Governor, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah who had also declared his intention to take over from his boss had also collected his expression of interest form from the National Secretariat of the party. As a close confidant of Governor Dickson who have worked closely with the governor as his deputy for more than seven years, many people are looking at his direction as the anointed candidate. John-Jonah said shortly after collecting the forms, that the driving force behind his ambition was the passion to serve the people, continue the developmental challenges initiated by Governor Seriake Dickson. He noted that he wanted to speak on behalf of the people, having been a key player in the restoration administration from the beginning and having understudied Dickson for over seven years. “I clearly understood the challenges of governance and better placed to continue and consolidate on the achievements of Dickson, especially in the education and health sectors,’’ John-Jonah said. He also encouraged the party to provide a level-playing ground for all aspirants and play by the rules, saying that there should be no preferred aspirant in order to avoid divisiveness within the ranks of the party.

Others who have also indicated interest in the race so far includes, but not limited to the following:

Dr Franklin Osaisai
Franklin Osaisai is a governorship aspirant under the platform of PDP. He is a highly cerebral personality, a nuclear Scientist, who until recently was the Director General of the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission. He was commissioner of Works during Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha administration and hails from Southern - Ijaw Local Government Area of the state. He was the first candidate to declare his gubernatorial ambition in a church and with a large turnout of dignitaries in his home town Koluama in faraway riverine coastal community in Southern Ijaw. Since his declaration, his campaign office has become a beehive of activities.

Dr Godknows Boladei Igali
Observers of political events can attest that Dr Boladei Igali has been committed to the growth and development of Bayelsa state having served as Secretary to the Bayelsa state government under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan as governor of the state. He is a fusion of the high and low. An accomplished career Ambassador who retired from the federal Civil Service as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power. He has shown interest in the governorship race several times, but these efforts have not come to fruition. He hails from Southern Ijaw in Bayelsa Central District.

Chief Timi Alaibe
Also in the race and had purchased the nomination and intent form, is the former Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Timi Alaibe. This is not his first attempt and had always been pressurized to step down either in PDP or APC. This time around he was among the first three that purchased the form and that signaled that he is a candidate to beat in the forthcoming gubernatorial election primaries in the state. All things being equal, he had the structure and wherewithal to prosecute his ambition.

Chief Timipre Sylva
Former Governor of Bayelsa State and leader of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Timipre Sylva, has also indicated his interest to return to the Bayelsa state government house where he had earlier served for one term. Sylva indicated his interest during his 55th birthday celebration in Yenagoa, the capital of the state where he urged the youths of the state to stand with him as he seeks a return as the governor of the state come February 2020. His declaration was coming on the heels of the declaration of his former Campaign Director and immediate past Minister for State, Agriculture and Rural development, Heineken Lokpobiri.

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri
The immediate past minister of state for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has not only declared his ambition to rescue Bayelsa state from mal-administration, insecurity and unemployment, but has opened his campaign office. Lokpobiri the pioneer speaker of the Bayelsa state House of Assembly said he had the experience, knowledge and was capable of redeeming the image of the battered economy and governance in Bayelsa state. He therefore solicits the support from not only APC members, but from every Bayelsans to enable him take over the Creek Haven.

Keniebi Okoko
He is the son of Prof. Kimse Okoko, a former President of Ijaw National Congress (INC). He may be riding on the influence of his father, but has demonstrated his interest to be the next governor of the state. One of his greatest challenges is that he is relatively new in the political turf of Bayelsa state.

Arc. Reuben Okoya a former commissioner is also in the race. He is one candidate that will not be perturbed by finance. His weakness is his relative newness to the gubernatorial race.

Chief Benson Agadaga is from Ogbia Local Government and he is an ally and kinsman of former president Goodluck Jonathan. He was a one-time commissioner of Information and former Chairman of Bayelsa state Universal Basic Education. Before his declaration to be governor, he was a Special Adviser to Governor Seriake Dickson.

Hon Fred Agbedi a third term member of the House of Representatives from Aghoro in Ekeremor local government area of Bayelsa state have also declared his interest to join the race. He had been twice, Director - General of Governor Seriake Dickson campaign. What will stand against him is that he is from Bayelsa West, the zone of the incumbent governor.

Also from the All Progressive Congress (APC) is Hon Preye Aganaba from Kolokuma / Opokuma Local Government Area. He had not hidden his interest to contest the governorship election as his posters adorned every nook and cranny of Bayelsa state. Though not confirmed by action and structures, there are a plethora of others that are being speculated to be interested in the race. Those in this category are: the current commissioner of Agriculture and Natural resources, Hon. Doodei Week from Southern Ijaw. The chairman of Bayelsa state Internal Revenue Board, Dr. Nimibofa Ayawei is also been touted as having governorship ambition. He, like the commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources is still keeping his plans and ambition to his chest.

Overwhelmed by who is likely to succeed him, the incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson has sought spiritual answer by declaring a three day prayer and fasting to seek the face of God in choosing who will be the next governor of the glory of all lands. The three day fasting program which drew the clergies from all Christian denominations had as its prayer points, thanksgiving prayer for the successful administration thus far, forgiveness of sins in Bayelsa state, God’s guidance and leadership, unity in the PDP before, during and after the forthcoming primaries and divine wisdom and political stamina for the governor.

As the race progresses and the time for the primaries gets closer, we are sure to see more aspirants declaring their intentions while others will re-align to support the aspirations of others whom they feel have better chances. The battle line has just been drawn.