A Local Government chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Bayelsa State, Hon. Soukiri Jackson and 7, 000 members of the party have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Odi community in Kolokuma/Opokuma area of the state.

The State Governor, Seriake Dickson, described the return to the PDP of the APC defectors as a welcome development.

Governor Dickson, while speaking during the defection of the APC members admonished the political class to connect with their people.

Dickson said he will remain connected to the people in appreciation of the massive support he had received from them over the years, especially in his political adventures.

He said, “The power of the people is the most potent weapon, you can find any where in the world; more potent than any armoury. The difference between me and many politicians is that I am a Countryman.

“I connect with the people, I feel their pains, when they are happy I am happy and vice versa. I appreciate the people because they have made me what I am and above all, they have made the PDP the strongest party, the only party that can win election in our state.

“For those who seek political office, we must not go out to hurt people for their welfare and interest should ordinarily be the reason for being in politics. We should be civil as we carry out our activities in 2018, being a crucial election!”

Bayelsa State Chairman of the PDP, Hon Cleopas Moses commended Hon. Suokiri for his decision to quit the APC for the PDP which he said was his home.

He maintained that Suokiri was a committed and deep rooted PDP member before those wielding the broom hoodwinked him into joining them. He noted that, as a foundation member of the party in the state, he has truly returned to rejoin the family he rightful belongs.