A former Commandant of the National Defence College, Abuja, Rear Admiral Thomas Lokoson (Rtd) has said the decision to move against the All Progressive Congress (APC) and join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State was based on the proper internal democracy of the party and the deliberate attempt by the present administration at driving a convincing agenda that impacts the socio-economic space of the state.
Lokoson, who was among the 5,000 members of the APC and other political parties received on Monday by the National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu as part of activities marking the 2nd year anniversary of Gov. Douye Diri in the state, said despite the fact that his membership of the APC was based on an uninformed analysis of the politics of the state, the decision to dump APC for PDP is his final bus stop in politics of the state.
Rear Admiral Lokoson, in a statement issued after the official acceptance into the PDP, noted that after testing the two political parties, the APC and the PDP, ”Today, I am much better informed. I have been part of the two parties and know them to a great extent. I have all it takes to make an informed decision. The PDP is my choice, my final bus stop. No shaking!.
“Besides being resident in Yenagoa, offered me the privilege to study and watch with keen interest the political programme of the present administration. We can see a deliberate attempt at driving a convincing agenda that impacts the socio-economic space. This has built confidence in the leadership and processes of the party. There is now trust in the party hierarchy. Trust is very critical as it can shape or destabilise the structure. For us in the PDP, we are glad to have a leadership that can always be trusted and is strategic, meticulous and conscious in leading.”
“ I formally return to the PDP with a clear conscience. Whatever mistakes that were made in the past will certainly be avoided and will help shape the future. The emergence of our Miracle Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, as Governor of Bayelsa State has set the State on a new dawn. Barely two years in office, the achievements of the administration could be felt and seen by all of us…not radio or television projects. Our miracle governor has taken the core business of governance to enviable heights. It is therefore with pride that I identify myself with with this dynamic, focused and forward looking leader.”
“ The Bayelsa State environment has continue to witness improvement in terms of infrastructure and security. Who then will not want to be identified with the PDP and its leadership after seeing the level of commitment? Part of my business takes place at night. There is a tremendous increase in night activities as a result of the security situation in the State. Indeed Bayelsa State can be said to be the safest state in the South South. So what are our friends and well wishers waiting for? We all know the nexus between security and development. Let the investments start flowing in!”
“Finally, may I appeal to all of us present? Yes, our miracle governor does not blow his trumpet. He is a silent achiever. ‘an action speaks louder than words man’. I want to suggest to all present that we should be spokespersons to His Excellency. If we hear or see anything good about the administration, let us not fail to propagate it. Discuss it over coffee. Discuss it over a glass of beer. Let us like it and spread it to the nooks and crannies of the state.
However, if we observe anything we are not too happy about, please draw the attention of the leadership of our great party. It will be looked into. His Excellency is a listening governor and transparency is his watch word.”
Dr. Iyocha Ayu, who led other PDP Governors to receive the APC members, described their decision to dump the APC for the PDP as a right decision and assured that PDP will defeat the ruling APC in 2023.
