TheCable

Seriake Dickson, Bayelsa state governor, says he was able to emerge victorious in the governorship election because God was not on the side of Timipre Sylva, his rival and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Dickson put the violence that almost marred the exercise at the doorstep of his opponent, maintaining that he and his supporters were law-abiding.

He said his victory was as a result of hard work and the love of his people.

“I expected that my opponent should have called to congratulate me with a view to joining me to build the ruins he perpetrated,” he said.

“I have extended my hand of fellowship to Sylva. They don’t have God on their side and they were completely routed. Power comes from God, and after God comes the people in an election. Anybody seeking election should draw closer to his people. You don’t underrate the people.

“My opponent nicknamed his campaign ‘Operation take over Bayelsa’ and we now know what they meant. He doesn’t care if Bayelsa goes to blazes. The story would have been worse if we had not laid the foundation for non-violence in an election

“I think it is too much desperation on his part. If we are in decent climes, some people will be answering questions over the violence that took place in the election.”

Though Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, made it clear earlier on Monday that President Muhammadu Buhari did not intend to congratulate Dickson on his victory, the governor saw things differently.

“In the interest of the nation, the president should congratulate me,” he said.

“He is the custodian of the country. President Olusegun Obasanjo and others never compromised that standard. He should be advised to project himself more. I know it is not yet late.

“If you look at the manner he was elected, President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated him.”