The Bayelsa Chapter of the Tinubu/Shettima Independent Campaign Council (ICC) has moved to allay fears regarding the potential hijack of the state’s ministerial slot by politicians outside of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The support group issued a categorical assurance to APC members in the state that the former President, Goodluck Jonathan, would not have any say in nominating Bayelsa’s ministerial candidate.
This declaration came in response to escalating tension within the party, fueled by reports suggesting that Jonathan was making attempts to seize control of Bayelsa’s ministerial position.
The influential APC Elders’ Forum, together with other party stakeholders, expressed concerns over the alleged moves by Jonathan.
Chief Joseph Fafi, the Director of Administration for the ICC, issued a statement in Yenagoa addressing the situation. He appealed to party members to remain calm and assured them that there was no way such injustice and unfairness would be allowed under the current leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Fafi emphasized Tinubu’s reputation for rewarding loyalty and stated that Jonathan would not be granted the privilege of nominating a minister from Bayelsa. While recognizing Jonathan as an elder statesman, Fafi made it clear that the decision to appoint a ministerial candidate from Bayelsa would be solely at Tinubu’s discretion.
“It is inconceivable to think that Jonathan would nominate a minister from Bayelsa. Giving him the right to produce a minister in this government isn’t among the privileges Tinubu is ready to offer Jonathan,” Fafi asserted.
He further explained that the APC in Bayelsa was preparing for a major election, and the appointments made would be aimed at strengthening the party rather than empowering any PDP mole.
“For us, Bayelsans, this is not just any year. There’s some significance to the fact that this is an election year. Appointments coming in must be precise and tactical. Tinubu knows better than to give the ministerial slot to a PDP mole who would only try to truncate APC’s chances of upstaging the PDP and Gov. Douye Diri,” Fafi emphasized.
Fafi expressed confidence that Tinubu would appoint a qualified and dedicated party member who would have a positive impact on the gubernatorial elections in November.
Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied any involvement in lobbying to nominate a minister for Bayelsa. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan clarified that his meetings with President Tinubu were related to his role as an ECOWAS envoy, discussing developments in the ECOWAS subregion.
As the situation unfolds, the state’s ministerial nominees are yet to be submitted to the senate for screening and confirmation. The Bayelsa APC remains steadfast in its hope that the right decisions will be made, and equity will take center stage in the process.
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