The excitement of the people of Bayelsa State over the visit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the state has been attributed to his role in the 1999 governorship tussle.
Contrary to expected hostility when the posters and advance team of the former VP arrived Kaiama and Odi for the sensitisation of the people on the presidential ambition of the former VP, the team was enthusiastically received.
The leader of the team, Ade Oluwafemi said it took second thoughts for me to enter Kaiama and Odi cities of Bayelsa State including Yenagoa because these are the strongholds of President Goodluck Jonathan. But to my surprise, despite the inscription of Atiku on my car, the people were so excited, milling around the car and chanting Atiku’s name.
“The story in Bayelsa was the same with jubilating members of the PDP in high spirits to welcome the team. On sighting our vehicle, the jubilation almost got out of control as people were dancing and singing the praise of the former VP”.
According to Olufemi, the enthusiasm of the people was said to be because of the role Atiku played in brokering peace during the build-up to the 1999 governorship tussle in the state.
Atiku was said to have convinced Mr. Timi Alaibe to drop his ambition in favour of the Alamieyeseigha/Jonathan ticket that eventually won the governorship contest.
“His intervention and conviction of the contending parties brought peace to the state and this has not been forgotten by the people. That was the reason they were so receptive to us,” he added.
finally u made it
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