PDP Abandons Sylva...But Governor insists he remains a loyal partyman and leader of Bayelsa PDP.

Finally, the PDP has shut out Timipre Marlin Sylva, incumbent governor of Bayelsa state from contesting the gubernatorial primaries under its platform.Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali, PDP National Publicity Secretary, in a statement   made available to huhuonline.com,

said   that four of the aspirants did not scale through the Party screening process and have therefore not been cleared to contest the primaries.

Specifically, those not cleared are Alaibe Ndutimi, Ben Murray Bruce, Timipre Marun Sylva, Igali Godknows Boladet.

While those candidates who were cleared to contest the party primaries, scheduled for Nov19th, include, Orufa Justine Boloubo,Dickson Seriake Henry, Enai Christopher Fullpower,  Kalango Michael Youppele, Francis Amaeb,  Ekiyegha Francis Korobido and Austin Febo.

Recall that yesterday; Timipre Sylva declared his intention to contest the primaries, using his provisional certificate. However, according to th statement issued by Prof Akali,   'no aspirant can or should use a provisional certificate as a basis for unilaterally declaring himself or herself as a candidate of Peoples' Democratic Party for the Gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa State. Even where he or she does so, it is of no value, effect or utility for the primary elections and is therefore redundant'.

Hear him:
The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has concluded the review of the reports of the Screening Committee and Screening Appeal panel for the gubernatorial primaries in Bayelsa State scheduled to hold on the 18th of November 2011.

After a thorough review of the two reports, and after a painstaking examination of all the issues raised about each and every aspirant, the NWC has cleared seven out of the 11 aspirants that purchased forms to contest for the primaries. Those who were cleared and shall contest the gubernatorial primaries are the following:

    I.       Orufa Justine Boloubo
    II.      Dickson Seriake Henry
    III.     Enai Christopher Fullpower
    IV.     Kalango Michael Youppele
    V.      Francis Amaebi
    VI.     Ekiyegha Francis Korobido
    VII.    Austin Febo
  However, in this last and final batch, four of the aspirants did not scale through the Party screening process and have therefore not been cleared to contest the primaries. Those not cleared are.

I.        Alaibe Ndutimi
II.       Ben Murray Bruce
III.      Timipre Marun Sylva
 IV.      Igali Godknows Boladet.
  All Members of the Party, especially stakeholders in Bayelsa State should note that this is the final decision on the status of all aspirants for the forthcoming Primaries. All efforts should now be geared towards mobilizing Party members for the forthcoming primaries and Elections in the State.

In view of the forgoing, all those aspirants whose names appear in para 2 above will be dully issued with final Clearance Certificates to enable them stand for the forthcoming primary elections. For the avoidance of doubt, and in line with the provisions of our guidelines for primary elections, no aspirant can or should use a provisional certificate as a basis for unilaterally declaring himself or herself as a candidate of Peoples' Democratic Party for the Gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa State. Even where he or she does so, it is of no value, effect or utility for the primary elections and is therefore redundant.

"The NWC wishes to reiterate it's commitment towards enforcing discipline within the ranks of the Party at all levels".

'We shall therefore not hesitate to invoke disciplinary measures on any member who disregards lawful Party directives or who engages in acts capable of undermining the Party's cohesion or initiates and takes any step that could lead to the breaching of public peace'.

Reacting to the PDP decision, Chief Timipre Sylva in statement issued by Doifie Ola, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said, 'NWC decision does not annul his membership of the PDP. As Governor of Bayelsa State under the platform of the PDP, he remains the leader of the party in the state. As a loyal party person, he will participate in all party activities'.

Full text of his statement reads:
'The attention of H.E. Chief Timipre Sylva, Governor of Bayelsa State, has been drawn to a statement by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), disallowing him from participating in the Bayelsa State PDP gubernatorial primaries scheduled for Saturday, 19 November 2011'.

'Governor Sylva considers it disturbing that his full membership of the PDP is being abridged. In particular, his fundamental right to vote and be voted for has been trampled upon by his own party, a party he has contributed so much in building. Consequently, Governor Sylva and his supporters are reviewing the NWC decision'.

'Governor Sylva notes that the NWC decision does not annul his membership of the PDP. As Governor of Bayelsa State under the platform of the PDP, Sylva remains the leader of the party in the state. As a loyal party person, he will participate in all party activities'.

'Similarly, Governor Sylva wishes to bring to the attention of the public reports alleging that there are attempts to arrest him on trumped-up treasonable felony charges. The story is that there is a tape in which he threatened to kill President Goodluck Jonathan. This is completely false. At no time did Sylva threaten to kill President Jonathan. He has no reason whatsoever to wish the president or any other person dead'.

'Governor Sylva enjoins the people of Bayelsa State, especially his numerous supporters to remain calm, law-abiding and hopeful'.

  'The people of Bayelsa State shall prevail'.