In spite of strong efforts so far made by Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State, his case appears finally rested by the presidency and the hierarchy of the ruling party as one of those who would not contest the
up-coming grassroots election in the state. Silva’s name was conspicuously missing from amongst the list of newly approved candidates released on Wednesday.
There are also indications that money plays a big role in the ensuing furor. A well known columnist on the cyberspace has been fingered as one of the people blackmailing Silva for money. The writer, whose articles often feature in two prominent news websites, was paid over N20 million in the past by the embattled governor, which he solely pocketed without recruiting any PR team.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary , Prof. Rufai Alkali and issued in Abuja on Wednesday, additional Bayelsa governorship aspirants to contest in the party`s primaries on Nov. 19 have been cleared.
The statement listed those cleared in this second batch to include: Mr Doukpala Amaebi, Mr Ekiyegha Korobido and Mr Austin Febo.
Alkali said that the development was “in continuation of the review of the reports of the screening committee and the screening appeal panel for the gubernatorial primaries in Bayelsa State.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has approved the clearance of the second batch of aspirants to contest the primaries along with those earlier cleared’’.
The statement said that the review would continue; “ until issues concerning all aspirants are successfully dealt with and disposed of’’.
It warned those involved in peddling unfounded allegations against the party`s national leadership to desist from such acts forthwith or face disciplinary action.
The statement said that the warning became necessary, “ in view of mischievous
and slanderous media reports accusing leaders of the party of collecting various sums of money from aspirants’’.
“For the records, those rumours are false in their entirety. The NWC under the
leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje is deeply committed to due process
and the rule of law.
“And no amount of mudslinging, intimidation and blackmail will divert our attention from this noble course’’.
It called on members of the party in Bayelsa to remain calm and focused; “ and not allow desperate political elements to cause division within their ranks’’.
The NWC had earlier cleared Mr Oruta Boloubo, Mr Henry Dickson, Mr Enai Fullpower and Mr Kalango Youppele in the its first batch.