A former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva has dismissed President Goodluck Jonathan’s support for the re-election bid of Governor Seriake Dickson.
The All Progressives Congress aspirant told newsmen in Abuja, on Thursday, that the former President’s support for Dickson was a clear indication that he was the “President of Bayelsa State” not the whole of Nigeria.
Speaking shortly after screening exercise preparatory for the APC governorship primaries, he said, “I am not worried. I always say that the former president was the president of Bayelsa State and he has proven me right. He has always been the president of Bayelsa State; He was never the President of Nigeria.”
On his chances, Sylva said, “I feel that I have a good standing with the people. As you can see, if you look behind me, you will see the array of Bayelsans who are here with me. Who else is left in Bayelsa? So, I think that because of the people who are with me, I feel I stand a very good chance.”
Reacting to a question on a consensus candidate, the APC chieftain said, “There are some discussions going on. When it is time to make it public, you will hear.”
Former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Timi Alaibe and a former Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, Emmanuel Otiotio were among a total of 19 aspirants who also obtained forms and attended the screening exercise ahead of the party’s primary election.