Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South South Zone, Barr. George Turnah (MON), has taken a swipe at the Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, for a recent move regarding his purported rift with Governor Douye Diri.
It would be recalled that Ogbara on behalf of the people of Ogbia Local Government Area had reportedly apologised to Governor Diri and the PDP for the purported ill-actions of Turnah who was said to have been suspended by the Bayelsa PDP Executives for alleged misconduct.
At the PDP State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held in Yenagoa on Monday, Ogbara was quoted to have said that the apology became necessary as it was not in the character of the Ogbia people to betray their benefactors.
Ogbara who is representing Ogbia Constituency III in the state assembly expressed that Turnah’s action was regrettable and appealed for forgiveness from the Governor.
But responding, Turnah, through a statement by his media aide, Kelvin Loveday-Egbo, condemned Ogbara’s supposed apology to the Governor on his behalf, insisting that the move was to curry favour from Diri.
He labeled Ogbara’s actions as hypocritical and sycophantic behaviour unfit for someone in his position.
While refuting suggestions of betraying his benefactor, Turnah insisted that he had done nothing wrong against the Governor to warrant an apology.
He maintained that he has been committed and loyal to the governor’s political course, this he said can be seen in his contributions to Diri’s election and reelection as governor in 2019 and 2023 respectively.
In the words of Turnah: “I supported the Governor in both his first and second term elections and maintained my integrity even as the PDP agent in Ogbia LGA during the last election.
“I did everything necessary to support Governor Diri when it mattered most. At this point, I have nothing left to contribute or offer to Governor Diri, so notions of betrayal are baseless. In fact, I feel I am the one being betrayed.”
Turnah in the statement added that “Ogbara could further his ambitions for a third term without necessarily resorting to using his name or exploiting the current circumstances for his own gain.”
