The Gubernatorial flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson yesterday presented his running mate, Rear Admiral John Jonah, to the leadership and members of the party in the state, saying the choice of his running mate was made after months of consultations and prayers.
Following Jonah’s emergence, some politicians in the state had last week claimed that his (Jonah’s) emergence has divided the ranks of the campaign group of Seriake Dickson.
Dame Patience Jonathan was said to have switched her support back to Governor Timipre Sylva’s camp following the alleged failure of Dickson to present her candidate, Warimopowei Dudafagh for the position.
Several other politicians in the state have have however, noteed that the emergence of Jonah was a ploy to pacify the kinsmen of embattled Governor Sylva, over his exclusion from the race.
Presenting Jonah to the party yesterday in Yenagoa,? Dickson said his choice of running mate was informed by the need to get a dependable partner and a friend with a sense of value for the need of the state. “There were many highly qualified and worthy persons in Bayelsa. I consulted and made a decision that will place Bayelsa where it belongs.”
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned its staff to avoid any inducement that could make them attempt to manipulate the election process for any political party.
The Director, Public Affairs, INEC headquarters, Mr. Emmanuel Umenger at a news conference in Yenagoa said the commission will improve on its record in the April 2011 general elections and as usual, will not condone any act that will cause the Commission a set back.
He said, “though there are some bad eggs in every system, INEC will not hesitate to descend on any of its officials found wanting in the discharge of his or her duty.”