A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State, Festus Daumiebi Sunday, has cautioned the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief George Turnah, against personal attacks on Governor Douye Diri. Sunday described Turnah's recent remarks against the governor as dishonourable and condemnable. He urged Turnah to stop personal attacks on Diri and focus on issue-based political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election.
Sunday, who contested against Diri for the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District seat in the 2019 general election, said political disagreements should not translate into personal insults. He recalled that despite being opponents in the 2019 senatorial election and the 2020 governorship election, he had never insulted the governor during his campaigns or public engagements. Sunday challenged anyone to provide evidence of statements credited to him where he insulted Diri.
The APC chieftain dismissed suggestions that the ruling party needed the support of the proposed Rainbow Coalition or the PDP to deliver President Bola Tinubu in Bayelsa State in the 2027 presidential election. He claimed that the APC had established structures across the state's eight local government areas, adding that other political parties had lost their grassroots appeal. Sunday said Bayelsans were happy with the Prosperity Assured Administration of Senator Douye Diri.
Sunday described as presumptuous the suggestion that the APC needed a coalition with the PDP to secure victory for Tinubu. He said, in Bayelsa State, voters were either members of the APC or had the APC to contend with at the polls. Sunday added that no other political party would be able to poll 15 per cent of the total votes on election day in Bayelsa State.
On Diri's defection from the PDP to the APC, Sunday defended the governor's decision, saying that political support given to a leader should not become an obligation to perpetually do the bidding of those who helped him attain office. He said it was not reasonable to expect a sitting governor to always do the bidding of those who helped him to power.
Sunday praised Diri's peaceful disposition, warning Turnah against taking his restraint for granted. He urged Turnah to desist from personal attacks against Diri and concentrate on issues he could substantiate with evidence. Sunday also appealed to leaders in Ogbia Local Government Area, where Turnah hails from, to call the PDP chairman to order.
The APC chieftain recalled the controversy generated when a former Bayelsa governor described the six-year presidency of former President Goodluck Jonathan as "wasted six years", saying Bayelsans had strongly condemned the remark. He said the incident demonstrated the importance the people attached to respect for political leaders, irrespective of party differences. Sunday maintained that Ijaw culture forbade disrespect for elders, even during political disagreements.
Key points
- APC chieftain Festus Daumiebi Sunday cautions Bayelsa PDP chair George Turnah against personal attacks on Governor Douye Diri.
- Sunday defends Diri's defection from PDP to APC, citing political support does not imply perpetual obligation.
- The APC chieftain urges Turnah to focus on issue-based campaigns and desist from personal attacks on Diri.
