Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday advised the people of Bayelsa, his home state, to vote for development in the December 5 governorship election.
He also appealed to the youth not to be deceived by what he termed the lies of politicians but to evaluate all the candidates based on their track record.
Mr. Jonathan described most politicians as people of many words, who tell many lies just to get votes from the people.
The ex-president spoke during the grand finale of the campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and presentation of flag to Governor Seriake Dickson in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The grand finale of the campaign rally, which took place at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, was attended by the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Uche Secondus.
Others were Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, State Chairman, PDP, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff, Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd.), among other personalities.
Jonathan urged the youths to vote for a person that would develop the state, insisting that Dickson deserved reelection considering his giant strides in all facets of life in Bayelsa.
He said: “So, for the Bayelsa young people, do not be carried away by politicians. Politicians are people of many words, they go to so many places, talking to so many people, telling so many lies.
“So, do not listen to what people say, but assess what people have done over the period. Most of the candidates are well known to you, so it is the choice of Bayelsa young people to vote for development of this state or to vote for the retrogression of this state. It is the choice of Bayelsa young people to vote for education of our youths or to vote for the retrogression of our young people.
“The choice is ours and I think you will think beyond yourselves. At our age, we are looking down, we are not looking up, whether you like it or not. So, think about your children and your grandchildren, think about building a state for your children and grandchildren, do not think about what you will swallow in the morning and I believe that the steps so far taken by Dickson has shown me that he wants development of this state.
“Dickson has encouraged development in this state. He is committed, he has that vision and all the projects he has been carrying on show that the young man is seeing Bayelsa beyond today. No leader can change a nation if you do not see beyond your nose.
“I am telling the young people, this election is not for Jonathan and Dickson, the election is for you to vote for your liberation, to live in peace and to live in developed society”.
On his part, Dickson emphatically told the All Progressives Congress (APC) that there was no vacancy in Bayelsa.
He also expressed confidence that he would win the forthcoming election by 99 per cent, saying that his main rival, Timipre Sylva of APC, should celebrate if he is able to win his own ward in Okpoama, Brass during the poll.
He also sued for peace in the state and urged the youth not to be intimidated by the opposition.
Dickson said: “I will win the poll round and square, by at least 99 per cent. Do not allow anybody to intimidate you”.
In his remarks, Mimiko urged Bayelsans to vote wisely and not to be swayed by politicians preaching change.
He said: “The APC promised us change but we know the change they have brought to us. There are unending queues at filling stations and many things are working in the opposite. Bayelsans should shine their eyes.
“Bayelsans should vote for Dickson for continuity and consolidation of his programmes and projects in the state. Dickson is a man who keeps his promises. His Restoration agenda must continue. Do not be deceived by the antics of the opposition, they have nothing to offer”, Mimiko stated.
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