By Christiana Onuoha
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and one its prominent minister from Bayelsa state were on Friday berated for allegedly bribing the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to fight Bayelsa state governor, Diri Duoye at the court over his mandate.
A group, under the aegis of Progressive Youth for Good Governance (PYGG), alleged that the YPP was being bribed with the sun N200 million to fight the governor at the court.
The group, in a statement by its President, Fabian Ugochukwu in Port Harcourt, noted that the Minister is doing everything possible to distabilise the state because of APC failure to win Bayelsa.
PYGG added that the Minister is taking his frustration to the extreme and is looking for every means to bring down the governor from office, following the bitter experience of APC at the Supreme Court that sacked its candidate, David Lyon.
The group lamented that while the nation is fighting to checkmate the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the only concern of APC and its minister from Bayelsa state is to distract the governor, the state and its people with unnecessary political issues.
PYGG expressed concern that if at this time the only thought of the party and its Minister was not fight a lost battle, it means they are not fit to be in government.
The group added that when all hands are supposed to be on deck to stem the tide of COVID-19, the Minister and his political party’s concern is how to grab power.
“Let me tell the APC and the Minister that nobody can unseat Governor Diri, because the position has already be ordained by God. The best thing for the Minister and his party to do is to put aside premodial sentiment and join hands with the governor and government of Bayelsa state to fight this dreaded virus, called COVID-19.
“Not only joining hands with the governor to fight the COVID-19, but should support the governor and government of Beyelsa to develop the state. If the state is developed, it will benefit everybody.
“Distracting the governor will not do the state any good.”
PYGG advised the YPP to think twice before been used to distabilize the state, adding that they should join hands with the governor to move the state forward.
The group also councel the YPP to note that APC has no such money to give now, because the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a serious toll on the nation’s purse, adding that they shouldn’t allow to be deceived by the Minister.
“Our advise to YPP is for them to join hands with Governor Diri to develop Bayelsa state. They shouldn’t be allowed to be deceived by one man because of selfish interest. APC has no N200 million to spare now. This pandemic has taken a toll on the nation’s purse and should not allow a selfish minister to deceive them.”
