By Aaron Ukodie
The deputy governor of Bayelsa state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, has appealed to the delegates meeting on September 3, 2019 to elect the candidate to represent the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16, governorship election for Bayelsa state, to vote for him.
Jonah, one of the 21 candidates jostling to be elected by the Bayelsa delegates to represent PDP, at the party’s primary, gave several reasons why they should consider him.
In a passionate plea to his party members and the delegates, Jonah reminded them that he is a key member and an integral part of the governor Seriaki Dickson Restoration Administration.
He also told the delegates that, as the deputy to the country boy governor, he has been part of the conceptualisation and implementation of policies, programmes and projects of the Restoration Government from inception.
His words: “I humbly come before you to present myself for the service of our dear fatherland Bayelsa State. I am Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), a contestant in the forthcoming gubernatorial primaries of our great party.
“The motivating and driving force propelling me to put myself forward for the contest is essentially my undiluted disposition and passion to render service to our people.
“You are also aware that I have been an integral part of the Restoration Administration under our Countryman Gov, Hon. Seriake Dickson and as his Deputy, I have been an integral part of conceptualization and implementation of policies, programme and projects of the Restoration Government from inception.
“This is why I consider myself better placed than anyone else aspiring to continue with the critical policies and programmes of the Restoration Government”, Jonah said.
He assure all delegates that his governance strategy, like Dickson’s, will still be hinged on the core values of transparency, accountability, effective development and utilisation of available resources and welfare for both civil servants and the generality of Bayelsans.
“ I have no doubt in my mind that I am conversant with the developmental challenges of our State and equally have the capacity and competencies to address them, given my robust pedigree in public service in our State and the Nigerian nation.
“My dear delegates, let us display a sense of patriotism in the choice we make because, ultimately, it is Bayelsa State and its people that we may either be building or destroying as the case may be.
‘However, be rest assured that you will never be disappointed or betrayed if you give me your vote and by implication, the opportunity to govern you in the next political dispensation. I have been tried, tested and proven”, Jonah pledged.
Apart from improving the human capital development of Bayelsa, Jonah has also said that he would, among others focus on agriculture to improve the internal revenue generation base of the state and prepare it for the post oil and gas era.
“I intend to utilise agriculture as a major tool for internal revenue development and diversify the economy for a post oil and gas regime,” he stated.
Governor Dickson has said that he would support only candidates who are members of the Restoration team.
These are his words: “We have agreed to elect a candidate for our party from the Restoration team. I will fail in my responsibilities and values if I abandon those who have supported me, who have been through thick and thin with me over the years.
“The way I was brought up, it is support for support and loyalty for loyalty. You have to be on board on this for the Restoration Team.
‘My support will go to a loyal, committed member of the Restoration team. Not to do so will leave a very heavy moral burden in my heart which I am not prepared to bear”, the governor has said.
Jonah is widely regarded as a very loyal member of the Restoration Team and his loyalty to governor Dickson, during the past eight years has not been in doubt.
