Bayelsa State Founding Fathers have thrown their weight behind the candidacy of the PDP Gubernatorial Candidates, Senator Douye Diri, and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ehwrujakpor.
The founding fathers described the reported one bedroom endorsement of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) candidate, Chief David Lyon as a ridiculous fluke.
The Director of Media and Publicity, Hon.Dr. Jonathan Obuebite, in a press release quoted the chairman, Chief Benedict Guembe, to have made the statement while playing the host to Senator Douye Diri and his running mate at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa, on Monday night.
He said that the group which claimed to have adopted Chief Lyon is not recognized and lacked the credibility to endorse any candidate on behalf of the founding fathers of the state.
The chairman disclosed that since the commencement of the electioneering process in readiness for the November 16, governorship campaign only two candidates have made their intentions known to the group.
He stated that after critical assessment of their manifestos, the group decided to endorse Senator Diri in the pursuit of the general good.
The Chairman said Senator Diri has all that it takes to step into the big shoes of Governor Seriake Dickson.
Other members of the forum are Dr. Amba Ambaowe, Professor Kingsley Alagoa, Professor Mrs Akwagbe, Professor Dimie, and Bishop Jumbo.
In a related development, the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional rulers has given its royal blessings to the PDP candidate, Senator Douye Diri.
Senator Diri and his running mate alongside members of the campaign team visited the Secretariat of the traditional rulers council in Yenagoa to intimate royal fathers of their decision to run for the office of Governor and Deputy.
The chairman of the Council, HRM King Alfred Diete Spiff who led other traditional rulers across the state to receive him described the visit as a symbol of respect for the traditional institution.
He charged Senator Diri to work hand in hand with the Federal government at ensuring the review of the 1999 constitution to give recognition to the traditional institution.
King Diete Spiff said this became imperative noting the contributions of the traditional rulers to the sustenance of peace in their respective domains and contributions to the socio economic development of the Country.
He said the review of the 1999 contribution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was long over due.
In his address, Senator Diri expressed his readiness to tap into the wealth of experience of the traditional rulers at ensuring the growth of the state economy.
He said “My respected elders, many of you prior to this time had served the state and indeed our Country in various capacities. Your wealth of experience and connection will be needed in repositioning the state economy.”
Senator Diri assured that on assumption of office on the 14 February 2020, the welfare of the traditional rulers would be his topmost priority in appreciation of their sacrifices and roles as custodians of our culture and tradition.
