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Dickson’s Aides Leave PDP For APC In Bayelsa

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Bayelsa state governor, Seriake-Dickson

The Commissioner for Youth Development in Bayelsa State, Mr. Ibarakumo Otobotekere decamped on Wednesday from the People Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Accompanied by Asari Mangite, a former Special Adviser on Grassroots Mobilisation, and later Youth Development, to Governor Seriake Dickson, Otobotekere was received in the APC secretariat in Yenagoa.

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The governor swore him as a commissioner on February 8, 2018 during a colourful ceremony at Government House, Yenagoa, after been the special adviser to the governor on Bayelsa Volunteers.

Reports has it that the cross-carpeting of the duo is a sign of a major crack in the political camp of Dickson and the PDP family in the state, ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Israel Sunny Goli, member representing Brass Constituency 1 at the state House of Assembly, on behalf of former Governor Timipre Sylva, who is the leader of the APC in the state, received Otobotekere and Mangite.

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He thanked the defectors for having the courage to dump the PDP, stressing that “this is the beginning of victory for the APC in 2019.”

“It was a wise decision. The administration of Governor Dickson is restoring poverty in Bayelsa State.

“Sacking workers, killing businesses, disrupting peaceful protests etc. Come 2019, we shall take over. APC will take over so that we can alleviate the suffering of the people with the Federal Government, and develop Bayelsa”, the lawmaker added.

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Speaking on his action to leaving the ruling party in the state, he declared that he had the right to leave a political party for another.

“I have just resigned my position as Commissioner in Dickson’s government. Myself and my loyal and humble supporters have moved over. You all know that when I stand for something, I stand very strong.

“I’m not afraid of anybody. I’m for APC, bye-bye to PDP. I come with the spirit of winning. My name is don’t forget me”, he said.

Mangite, in his remarks, accused Dickson of starving his political appointees’ offices of funds, adding that he (Mangite) found it very difficult to work as the governor’s aide.

On his own part, the state chairman of APC, Jothan Amos, welcomed the duo, saying that their defection was an indication that the party would take over the state.

He urged the people of Bayelsa to identify with the APC as the only party that could wipe away sorrow and tears inflicted on them by the Dickson administration.