Associates desert Sylva, declare support for Jonathan

Former political appointees in the administration of Chief Timipre Sylva under the aegis of Ex-Bayelsa Government Officials Forum (EBGOF) yesterday dissociated themselves from the defection of former governor Timipre Sylva to the All Progressives Congress (APC) saying they are still members of the PDP.

The group made up of over 68 members of the past administration led by Werinipre Seibarugu, the former deputy under Sylva, yesterday declared support and loyalty to the ruling PDP and the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a letter by the group to the national chairman of the PDP, the president and his wife, state chairman of PDP and the Bayelsa governor, they noted that the claim that they dumped the PDP alongside the former governor was erroneous.

According to the letter signed by the leader of the group, Werinipre Seibarugu, majority of the political office holders under the administration of Sylva did not move with him to the APC as being claimed.

“Consequently, we have been organised to demonstrate our continued membership and loyalty to our great Party, the PDP, as well as total support for President Goodluck Jonathan and his transformation agenda”, they said.

Key members of the group include the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, former Information Commissioner Chief Nathan Egba-Ologo, former Special Adviser on Economic Planning Prince Michael Amaegberi, former Special Duties Commissioner Kesiye Frank-Oputu and former Commissioner for Employment and Conflict Resolution Barr. FitzGerard Olorogun.

Others are former Commissioner for Finance Stephen Ogulah, Commissioner for Health Benson Dagidi, Commerce and Industry Kenigua Ibomo, Sports and Social Development Opukiri Jones-Ere, Political Adviser George Fente, former Personal Assistant Austin Adigio and former Commissioner for Local Government Chief Ben Eyororokumoh.