Premium Times reports that Alaibe, who was one of the aspirants who lost out in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in the state, gave reason some chieftains were leaving the party ahead of the election in the state.
Alaibe was quoted saying the PDP in Bayelsa was embarking on self-destruction by bandying falsehood against someone who could reinvent and mobilise the people against the already anticipated failure of the party at the poll on November 16.
It would be recalled that some aides to the state Governor Seriake Dickson were among those that have reportedly left the PDP.
The state commissioner for mineral resources, Markson Fefegha, has just returned to Dickson’s government and the PDP after he resigned a few days ago. Fefegha, who has appealed to his political supporters to work for PDP’s victory in the election, said his resignation was caused by a communication gap between him and Governor Dickson.
Speaking on the incoming election, Alaibe said on Friday, October 25, through his aide, Enize Ogio, said: “Let it be known that those who have left the PDP for other political parties in Bayelsa state are merely fed-up with the ineptitude of the current leadership of the party in the state exemplified by the partisanship exhibited in the last governorship primary election.”
He denied being responsible for the exit of people from the PDP as reportedly claimed by the chairman of the PDP in the state, Moses Cleopas.
He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, Chief Alaibe is not in any way responsible for the defection of these respectable Bayelsans from the PDP to any other party.
“How would he do such a thing when he has personally, in repeated signed statements, made it clear that despite pressures from all quarters, he would remain in the PDP and that he would not be persuaded to abandon the party though his desire for the governorship of the state was tragically aborted by Chief Cleopas and his ilk.
“It is so unfortunate that at a time Chief Cleopas and his sponsors should be apologising to the good and patient people of Bayelsa state for presiding over the conduct of the most procedurally flawed primary election in the history of the state—an election that deprived the people of the opportunity to choose their next governor—they are busy grandstanding and looking for who to blame.”
