Yenagoa—Comr. Victor-Gow Ayebatari, National Financial Secretary, Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide (IYC) has hailed a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli for throwing his weight behind the reelection bid of Governor Douye Diri.
Sunny-Goli who is the immediate past federal lawmaker of the Nembe-Brass federal constituency and a long-time ally and protege of Chief Timipre Sylva had some time in August renounced his allegiance to the former petroleum minister and predicted Sylva’s defeat in the November election, citing a lack of popularity and preparation.
In a statement sent to Mangrovepen.ng on Wednesday, Ayebatari commended Sunny-Goli’s decision to support Diri’s second-term bid, saying his motives were in the interest of the state.
“I commend the immediate past federal lawmaker and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli for expressing support for the second term bid of the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri.
“Sunny-Goli is not a political neophyte. He has seen it all in politics and has been one of the closest allies of the APC candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, for decades.
“Therefore, if he says the ex-minister lacks the political structure to win the forthcoming election or cannot transform Bayelsa, then we must believe it hook, line, and sinker because he knows what he is saying.
“Sunny-Goli has by his renouncement of allegiance and support to Sylva shown that he means well for Bayelsa. I am so pleased by his decision, especially seeing the courageous efforts he is making to ensure the victory of the miracle governor,” the statement partly read.
Ayebatari also lauded the ex-federal lawmaker for supporting the Diri-led Bayelsa government in its commitment to complete the ongoing Nembe-Brass road.
He urged all Bayelsans to emulate Sunny-Goli by supporting Governor Diri, opining that Diri’s re-election will ensure the execution of many more people-oriented projects as well as maintain peace and prosperity in Bayelsa State.
“I am certain that Sunny-Goli’s name will be mentioned as one of the leaders who valiantly supported the purposeful governance championed by Governor Diri when the history of Bayelsa is being written in the future,” he concluded.
