2 Groups Protest Over Sylva In Abuja

Two different groups yesterday in Abuja demonstrated in support and against Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa, ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Februry 12, 2012.

The leader of the anti-Sylvia group and President, Ogbia Youths, Mr Osain Azibalu,  told newsmen that their demonstration was to prevent the re-election of the incumbent governor.

Azibalu said Bayelsans were not getting good governance from the Sylva-led administration, alleging that the poor state of infrastructure was visible all over the state.

“There is nothing to write home about Sylva on the aspect of development,’’ he said.

Similarly, Mrs Mary Karibo, leader of Ijaw Women resident in Abuja, urged Sylva to leave and give a chance to another candidate to govern the state.

Karibo said youths and women had suffered untold hardship under the current leadership in Bayelsa State.

But the Chairman of the Ijaw Community, Mr Freeman Ovuru, in Abuja urged the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to support Sylva. He said the demonstration against the governor was the work of detractors.

Ovuru condemned the action of the anti-Sylva group, describing it as unfortunate.

“It is unfortunate we are displaying our dirty linens in the capital city; any grievances our people are having against our governor should be done in our domain.

“This is not the best way to test popularity; if you are saying that Timipre Sylva is not the best candidate, you have to rise up as the electorate to vote him out,’’ he said.

He argued that if Bayelsans felt Sylva had not helped the state to develop, “let the electorate be allowed to decide on what to do and not mobilise people to demonstrate in Abuja. ’’

“Coming from your region to Abuja to demonstrate is what we are against,’’ Ovuru added.

The two groups carried placards with different inscriptions like “Sylva Cannot Move Bayelsa To The Promised Land,’’ We Are Tired Of Sylva,’’ “ Allow Sylva A Second Chance and “ Our Governor Is Not Doing Badly. ’’