Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have cautioned Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State to exercise caution regarding Israel Sunny-Goli, a former House of Representatives member who recently distanced himself from his long-time benefactor, Chief Timipre Sylva.
Operating under the umbrella of the PDP Alliance for Democracy, these stakeholders have raised concerns about Sunny-Goli’s recent public declaration of support for Diri’s second term in office. They believe that this move might be a strategic maneuver and that the former lawmaker might be following a calculated plan.
Ekiye Akposeye, the convener of the group, expressed their views in a statement released in Yenagoa, the capital of the state. They advised Governor Diri to exercise vigilance, particularly since the current period is quite sensitive and could potentially harbor the presence of individuals with ulterior motives.
He said, ”If we remember well, in 2019, we lost the main elections because of betrayers, we cannot afford to tow that path this time.
“We all know that Hon. Sunny-Goli is like a son to Sylva and practically grew up with him. Sylva made him a special adviser on youths when he was governor of the state; made him a Bayelsa State House of Assembly member and House of Representative member, and gave him a plethora of contracts. Why would anyone think that Sunny-Goli and Sylva are actually at war?
“We urge Diri and members of our great party, the PDP, to eat with such people with a long spoon. We do not trust them because we know their antecedents,” he said.
According to Akposoye, the extent of Diri’s tenure extension by four years will hinge on his ability to manage figures like Sunny-Goli, who, as per their suspicions, could be an internal disruptor within the PDP.
