Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday said the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), would field only popular candidates in 2019 general elections.

Dickson, according to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), said this at a consultative meeting with stakeholders of the PDP in Government House, Yenagoa.

He warned against anti-party activities, as they could harm their chances.
“In the last two and half years, things have not been the way we have known them to be. In 2015, your party and your state have been in opposition, with the kind of government that you all know is at the centre.

“Yet, we have all managed to do what we have done in very trying circumstances and in an uncharted territory.

“There is no other governor of this state that has that experience of leading a party to a battle when you are in opposition. And managing stability in the party, state and the government.

“I thank you all for the support and the prayers of all of you that have enabled me to lead the government of our party and also thank the state PDP chairman and Executive members for the stability in the party coordinated by experienced party leaders that have kept our party alive.

“For the first time since inception, our party is in opposition and that means that within the party, our way of politicking has to change to reflect the fact that you are in the opposition.

“And we need to know that our party’s chances of success or failure depend on your actions and comments publicly about your government back home.
“In the end, it is not you that is bigger than a system or government so you should proudly own the achievements of your government. In the end, it is not you that is bigger than a system or government so you should proudly own the achievements of your government.

“You want to spoil your own government even more than the opposition. That kind of evil politics has to stop. What they don’t know, is that, whatever they want to be and when we meet at the primary level, it is the strength of the party and government here led by me that you are going to battle with. That’s the reality.

“So it is amateurish for you to start politicking by attacking your own government and a government that everyone is celebrating. In what area have we not tried our best? You can’t solve all the problems of a people and of a state or a nation in 8 years though.

“In the last two and half years, we have been concentrating on working even when they bring issues, we brush it aside and concentrate on the work and that’s why you have these showings in all sectors.

“At the end of the day, people will judge us not by what other people didn’t do but what we have done. We are now getting to the stage of politicking where from the other side, they will see that there is a government and a party that is ready for them.

“From now on, I will be interacting on how to build consensus in the local government areas for the various elective offices. I want you to take charge of the processes.

“I prefer the situation where the people themselves take ownership of our candidates. I frown against personal sentiments that will rob us of good candidates; we will overrule and override that. We want to support people that can win elections freely and fairly and such candidates should be able to understand and respond to challenges,” the Governor said.