APC Leaders Explain Visit To Ex-President Jonathan

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State say their visit to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan  after Saturday’s governorship elections is in recognition of his position as the father and undisputable leader of the South South state.

The Party leader in the State and Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, had on Monday led APC leaders, including Governor-elect David Lyon, to visit the former president’s country home in Otueke

Sylva said as a former president and leader of the State, Jonathan deserved to be respected and honoured by all  Bayelsa people, irrespective of their party leanings.

“Being a former president of the country and a past governor of the State, Jonathan remains an asset to the state and his inputs will always be needed to advance the course of governance in the Bayelsa.

“As such it was important for us to introduce the governor-elect to him and seek his support and guidance in building a better Bayelsa State”, Sylva said.

Addressing the APC delegation, Jonathan urged the Governor-elect, Lyon to always put the welfare and interest of the Bayelsa people above every other issue.

“As a former president of Nigeria, I am a father to all Bayelsans, hence my doors are open to all citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.

“I urge you to make the welfare of Bayelsa people  a top priority and carry all of them along irrespective of the party they voted for.

“Elections are over now, so I want you to see yourself as the governor of all and not only to the sections that voted for you. This is the way to move Bayelsa forward,” he said

Jonathan also condemned the violence that erupted in some parts of the state during the elections, describing it as unfortunate and regrettable.

He said the nation’s democracy would never mature if the violence and irregularities during elections are allowed to continue. – NAN