Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has said that several leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa visited former President Goodluck Jonathan after Saturday’s governorship elections in recognition of his position as the father and leader of the state.
Sylva led APC leaders including governor-elect, David Lyon, to visit the former president’s home on Monday.
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The minister said Mr Jonathan deserved the respect of everyone irrespective of party leanings.
“Being a former president of the country and a past governor of the State, Jonathan remains an asset to the state and his inputs will always be needed to advance the course of governance in the Bayelsa.
“As such it was important for us to introduce the governor-elect to him and seek his support and guidance in building a better Bayelsa,” he said.
In response, Jonathan tasked Lyon to put the welfare and interest of the Bayelsa people above every other issue.
“As a former president of Nigeria, I am a father to all Bayelsans, hence my doors are open to all citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.
“I urge you to make the welfare of Bayelsa people a top priority and carry all of them along irrespective of the party they voted for.
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“Elections are over now, so I want you to see yourself as the governor of all and not only to the sections that voted for you. This is the way to move Bayelsa forward,” he said.
Jonathan also condemned violence in some parts of the state during the elections, describing it as unfortunate and regrettable.
