Dickson And Sylva Lock Horns During Governorship Debates

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The Bayelsa State Governor election debate on Friday night witnessed quite a display of political fighting between the candidates for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Timipre Sylva and Mr. Seriake Dickson respectively.

The debate organized by the private radio station Royal FM, in cooperation with the British Council, was attended by four of the gubernatorial candidates, including Moses Siasia of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Frank Akpeli of Democratic Peoples Congress (DPC) and Mr. Dickson and Mr. Sylva.

The well-attended debate witnessed an extreme display of disrespect between Mr. Dickson and Mr. Sylva.

Governor Dickson attacked first, characterizing Mr. Sylva’s administration of Bayelsa State as defined by killings and cult-related violence. In response, Mr. Sylva described Governor Dickson’s administration as “outgoing”.

Mr. Sylva also attacked the current Governor on the issues of security and children’s rights. He noted that during his tenure as Bayelsa State Governor he used the Amnesty Program sponsored by former President Yar’dua in order to bring peace to the area.

Mr. Sylva pointed out that the current level of violence and insecurity in Bayelsa State were worrisome and should be blamed on the current administration.

Governor Dickson countered by dismissing his opponent’s claims as “political” in nature and lacking in substance. He argued that his administration had put in place an enduring peace in the State and that the recent spate of kidnappings is the work of politically motivated actors.

The other two candidates did not engage in the same political mud flinging as the PDP or APC candidates. Many in the debate audience viewed the PDM candidate, Mr. Siasia, as possessing the most composed program for the State. While the DPC candidate, Henry Akpeli, was viewed as the most entertaining personality on the stage. Mr. Akpeli’s calm and dispassionate manner worked well against the negative tactics of Mr. Sylva and Mr. Dickson.

Source: SaharaReporters