Solidarity for Bayelsa State governorship aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Anthony George-Ikoli has come from prominent leaders in the state.
The leaders on Saturday described George-Ikoli as the best person to replace Governor Seriake Dickson at Bayelsa State Government House.
“Our political trajectory since the return of democracy as a microcosm of Nigeria, is undoubtedly and indisputably at a crossroad, where primordial sentiments and parochial misstatements cannot and must not be allowed to determine the leadership our beloved State deserves at a time like this. The road to renaissance and bedrock of the revival already laid cannot brook the unconscionable antics of revisionists, skeptics and pessimists. The developmental desideratum cannot be accomplished unless we unearth from the deep recesses of our psyche, the poisonous debilitating trivia that some unenlightened, ill-informed, ill-motivated and mischievous people, with cunning and bad faith, may be unable to acknowledge or appreciate the imperative for appropriate leadership in Bayelsa’’.
They pointed out that the fear expressed by some politicians over transparency, accountability and development of the state could be handled appropriately by George-Ikoli.
“It goes without saying that for sustainable progress to be realistically attained in our socio-political and economic existence, of necessity patriotic gauntlets need to be picked and acrimonious hatchets dropped. All we should strive to achieve is a benevolent and altruistic leadership that is able to create happiness, wellbeing, and provide the “GOOD LIFE” to the generality of the citizens and dwellers of Bayelsa State; consciously governed by reason, truth, equity and justice, without malice, rivalry and divisive idiosyncrasies’’.
Considering the tremendous respect which George-Ikoli has acquired through his years in private and public service, the leaders said the decision to endorse him was based on the conviction that he would provide a good leadership and address the dearth of development projects in some communities.
“No doubt, many things still need be done, and many things need be changed, but Anthony George Ikoli’s hand is already on the plough and all that is needed, is for the citizenry to join as change agents. After all, we can only attain excellence if and when we do the right things, in the right way, in the right place, and at the right time. We must perceive the greatness Bayelsa portends, acknowledge greatness in Ikoli’s leadership, and conceive variegated ways to enhance that greatness, so that the benefits of the awesome endowments (human and material) would be bequeathed to all and our posterity’’
Rising from a meeting in Yenagoa, the leaders expressed faith in George-Ikoli.
“The intent here is not to offer platitudinous postulations and preachments, and it is not intended to indulge in acerbic criticism of those with contrary views, but to assert certain inalienable facts, and elucidate, inform, and educate on the salient reasons why Bayelsans should support, Chief Anthony George Ikoli (AGI) for Governor of Bayelsa State. Let us begin by asserting that with charity to all, malice to none, and assuredness in the will of Almighty God that all we seek is justice, peace and progress for our great State. We are emboldened by the truth; energized and invigorated by our beliefs; and compelled by our pedigree and predilection for good governance, accountability and transparency’’
The leaders, whose objective is to ensure the emergence of George-Ikoli as governor of Bayelsa State in a statement signed by the National Coordinator of Affirmative Bloc for Credible Democracy (ABCD) and Voice of the Electorate (VOTE), Alatubo P. Charles Harry described George-Ikoli as a trust-worthy, astute, courageous and dependable leader.
“We come to you with a deep sense of patriotism and commitment, and hopefully a true understanding and appreciation of the wishes, desires, aspirations, hopes and prayers of the good people of Bayelsa State. Our people crave for a stable and caring government; a government with integrity, dignity, and serenity; a government of honour, candour and valour; a government of perspicacity, vivacity and sagacity. Our people’s aspirations for change, good governance, peace, security, progress and prosperity know no bounds. All they care about is trust-worthy, astute, courageous and dependable leadership’’.
The leaders stressed that George-Ikoli’s governorship ambition was an answer to the clarion call by well-meaning individuals, including traditional rulers, frontline politicians and professionals.
“We perceive George-Ikoli as a true democrat; accountable and subservient, whose tenure as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice has proven his worth, diligence and reliability. He has shown vision and has delivered on the mission; he has exhibited honour, wisdom and courage; radiated simplicity, goodness and fruitfulness; tolerates criticism and opposition; with a carriage of benevolence, mien of deliberate thoughtfulness, and cerebral demeanor. He has demonstrated astute reason and political sagacity in his steadfastness and loyalty to the PDP, and has always been true to his mandate, and will govern to the best of his ability and in the best interest of Bayelsa State’’.
They praised George-Ikoli for his excellent performance in the public and private sector.
“George-Ikoli is reputed to deliver on promises and his word has always been his bond. Majority of Bayelsans and indeed all men of goodwill, no doubt will like to see George-Ikoli as Governor, to be a bridge betwixt the past, straddling the present to create a glorious future. Bayelsa State is no doubt in a hurry to reinvent itself and would certainly not brook the antics of revisionists who portend the State no good, nor would it allow its enlightened self-interest to be sacrificed to the lesser gods of avarice, greed and atavistic chauvinism. The voting populace, surely, are no amnesiacs to have forgotten so soon, what the benevolent altruistic administrations of HRM. King Alfred Diete Spiff and Chief Melford Okilo (both illustrious Bayelsans) did as Governors of the old Rivers State’’.
They dismissed the governorship ambition of some aspirants in the state.
“AGI is not only eminently qualified and deserving of your mandate to rejuvenate the patrimony and heritage of Bayelsa as the GLORY OF ALL LANDS. Leadership is not idolatry, deification or iconolatry; it is about service, vision and a mission. It is not about unbridled individualism, inordinate ambition or the aggrandisation of power and glory; it should be ennobling and selfless. Let it be said and clearly so, that the leadership our people need, want, and deserve is one that would build bridges of unity; enhance our togetherness; deliver development and progress; and most important of all, provide peace, prosperity and security.
They also called on Bayelsans to rally round the former attorney general and commissioner of justice.
“The Affirmative Bloc for Credible Democracy (ABCD) and Voice of the Electorate (VOTE), urge all Bayelsans to “Vote the Change you can see” and ensure George-Ikoli is returned as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on September 3rd and elect Chief Anthony George-Ikoli [SAN] to CREEK HAVEN come November 2019, as the governor Bayelsa State deserves.’’