Chidi Samuel| Timipre Sylva, minister of state for petroleum who led some leaders of the All progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa to the residence of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Monday, said the visit was to seek support for the newly elected governor.
According to Sylva, the visit was in recognition of Jonathan as a father and leader of the state, stating that the ex-president deserves to be respected by all the people of Bayelsa.
The minister said, “Being a former president of the country and a past governor of the state, Jonathan remains an asset to the state and his input will always be needed to advance the course of governance in the Bayelsa.”
“As such, it was important for them to introduce the governor-elect to him and seek his support and guidance in building a better Bayelsa.”
In his response, the former president urged Lyon to put the welfare and interest of Bayelsans above every other issue.
Jonathan said, “As a former President of Nigeria, I am a father to all Bayelsans, hence my doors are open to all citizens irrespective of their political affiliations. I urge you to make the welfare of Bayelsans a top priority and carry all Bayelsans along irrespective of the party they voted for.
“Elections are over now, so I want you to see yourself as the Governor of all Bayelsans and not only to the sections that voted for you. This is the way to move Bayelsa forward.”
Other APC leaders that visited the former president include, Abubakar Badaru, governor of Jigawa state; Atiku Bagudu, governor of Kebbi; Ita Enang, and a former presidential aide.
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