TheCable

Timipre Sylva, former governor of Bayelsa state, has accused Seriake Dickson, the incumbent governor of the state, of spreading false reports about him.

Sylva, who lost the recent governorship election to Dickson, advised his rival to find a means to resolve the challenges in the state, rather than attacking him.

“We have read the irresponsible, baseless and laughable statement issued Thursday by the embattled Bayelsa State Government of Henry Seriake Dickson, accusing the APC and Chief Timipre Sylva of plans to cause mayhem in the state using youths,” Doifie Buokoribo, Sylva’s spokesman, said in a statement.

“Ordinarily, we would have ignored the statement since it did not provide any proof to support the alleged involvement of Sylva in the so-called plot. However, we are compelled to respond since the matter involves security of lives and property.

“First, Sylva has nothing whatsoever to do with any protest in Bayelsa State on Friday or any other time.

“Second, and more importantly, it is Mr. Dickson and his unsympathetic, anti-people and sick administration that should take the blame for instigating any revolt in the state for its deliberate refusal to pay its workers. It is Dickson, and not Sylva, that is responsible for the mass hunger in Bayelsa State. The state university lecturers, who are currently on strike, are being owed several months’ salaries. And pensioners and workers are also being owed.

“If the people are now fed up and want to take political action to defend their humanity, Dickson should simply hold himself responsible.

“Let Dickson be man enough to take responsibility for his actions and inactions, and leave Sylva out of his woes.”