Former minister of state for Petroleum and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the upcoming November Bayelsa gubernatorial election, Timipreye Sylva, has expressed unwavering confidence in his party’s prospects to assume control of the state.
Speaking to State House correspondents on Tuesday, Sylva revealed that he had discussed the matter with President Bola Tinubu during a meeting at the Presidential Villa.
Sylva emphasized the strong presence of the APC within the state, signaling his optimism for a successful electoral outcome
He said “we are set to take over Bayelsa and I had to inform Mr. President what we’re doing and also take advice from Mr. President.
“Well, you know, I have been a governor, and I’ve been part of the politics of Bayelsa from inception. So I know Bayelsa and Bayelsa knows me.
“Now, you know also in 2019 we won the election. The governor that is there today is a governor that won only two local governments in that election.
“But unfortunately, you know what happened. Even previously in 2015, we won the election. The Southern Ijaw results were canceled and we redone
and of course, you know what took place at a time.
“So we are fully aground. APC is the party on ground in Bayelsa state. And I can assure you that we can do it again and we will do it again.
He also commended President Tinubu’s achievements and emphasized the need for a robust understanding of the economy to drive progress.
Sylva praised President Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy on his first day in office, a long-standing goal for various administrations.
He noted that this achievement signaled a potential economic turnaround and a departure from past election promises.
He said “It was an opportunity to commend Mr President for a great job he’s doing.
“I know that for a long time, every administration, every government in Nigeria have been trying to remove the fuel subsidy.
“We tempted even during our time. And it was actually part of the campaign of every presidential election in the previous election in the past election.
“But for mr. president to have achieved this feat on the first day of his presidency, it’s quite commendable. We’ve seen a lot happening in the monetary policy sector. We also commend him for what you’re doing.
“I thought it was important that some of us will see him and let him know the great things is doing.
“For the first time in Nigeria states and federal government are to share N1.9 trillion. It is unprecedented.
“I believe that we are on the verge of an economic turnaround in this country, and going by the American parlance: “Is the economy, stupid?”
“We need a president who understands the economy and I believe that we have one now. That’s really part of what we discussed.
In terms of economic development, Sylva’s six-point agenda includes human capital development, infrastructure improvement, fostering a gas-based economy, boosting rice production, stabilizing power supply, and enhancing security.
He emphasized the significance of these initiatives in positioning Bayelsa for growth, capitalizing on the state’s abundant natural resources, such as vast gas reserves and rice-friendly swamp lands.
Sylva underlined the importance of his experience in his upcoming term, highlighting his growth from a young governor in his 40s to a seasoned leader approaching 60.
He expressed confidence that his familiarity with global dynamics and the world’s familiarity with him would drive a transformative period for Bayelsa.