Ogbia—Engineer Lamawal Jonathan, nephew of former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he would be contesting for the Bayelsa State House of Assembly polls in the 2023 general elections.
The Tide reports that though the former President’s nephew has not clearly stated under which party’s platform he intends to vie for the legislative position, indications were clear that he may jostle for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket to represent Ogbia Constituency I in the state Assembly.
Lamawal is the first son of the late immediate younger brother to former President Jonathan, Chief Meni Jonathan who passed on in 2012.
Lamawal who is a businessman hinted that though successive lawmakers from the constituency have done their bits in the development of the area, he intends to bring on board fresh ideas that would impact greatly on the constituency if he emerges candidate in the party primaries billed for later this year and wins in the general elections, come 2023.
It was gathered that the former president is aware of his nephew’s quest to contest for the lawmaking position as the assembly hopeful.
Lamawal had earlier informed newsmen that he began consultations with stakeholders in 2021.
He further hinted that the constitution of various preliminary committees toward securing the mandate of the constituents was at advanced stages, noting that it was time for younger politicians to showcase their intellectual prowess in contributing their quota towards nation-building.
When asked about his links with the present administration of Bayelsa state the former president’s son stated that he has been an ardent supporter of the prosperity government of Governor Douye Diri.
He noted that in 2019 he was amongst those who worked assiduously to ensure victory for the PDP, he regretted that even though the unexpected happened in the state, he was full of thanks to God for returning victory to the party.
“I was one of those who worked and campaigned for the PDP’s victory in the 2019 elections. And my relationship with the present administration is intact. I’ve no fear about contesting for this position.
“And you should know that it’s not my father that is preparing me for this position, though I’ve informed him, I’ve also been making my consultations with my God and party and non-party stakeholders alike.
“I’ll not be a prodigal son, I’m a very loyal and committed son. I’ll be aspiring and contesting for the Assembly position in the party where my father is a member,” he said.
