Bayelsa State Governor, Timipreye Sylva yesterday disclosed that the burial of Pa Lawrence Ebele Jonathan was an occasion to test the peace now reigning in Bayelsa State and across the Niger Delta region.
Sylva, who was the chief host at the burial ceremony attended by governors, members of the National Assembly, former heads of states as well as ministers, permanent secretaries, wives of state governors and captains of industry, described the late Pa Jonathan as a man who did not only achieve a lot in his life time but in death. He said the deceased brought top Nigerians in and outside government together, in his village, Otuoke.
�This was an occasion to test the peace in the State and the region and you know that this state is peaceful. Henceforth, there is going to be peace in the region”, he said.
�Yenagoa is one of the safest places in Nigeria. When we came in here, it was not a palatable story but between myself and the governor of Delta State, we adopted a strategy and the coming of the guests is an opportunity for them to see how safe the state is.” the governor said.
�We are here to pay our respect to a man who fathered a great son who is today the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He achieved a lot in his life time. He brought up a son that became the Vice President of Nigeria and that is why we are here. Because of his achievements we are sitting side-by-side with personalities like General Yakubu Gowon and Chief Ernest Shonekan in no other place than the soil of Otuoke.
“Henceforth, Otuoke will be on the map because it has hosted those in government at federal, state and local government areas and captains of industry.
Also speaking at the occasion, Chief Edwin Clark, the leader of Ijaw Forum said the people of the region now have a sense of belonging with the large turn- out of dignitaries from all parts of Nigeria both in and outside government.
Clark said that the country would remain an indivisible entity but however appealed for the understanding of the people from the other regions of the country for the actions of the youths of the region.
He said: “Dignitaries who are visiting the region for the first time will understand our plight as regards the neglect and the under-development of the region. With what you have seen, you will understand our plight better.
“I have spoken to the youths and sought their understanding. We are not going anywhere. We believe in dialogue and the trend will continue.
“Now we know we are part of Nigeria with the turn-out witnessed here today. Whatever is happening in the region today, we plead with you to bear with us. You now know why we feel neglected atimes. We hope those in and outside government will be able to say that indeed these people need development and also encourage investment in the area.
�Today will serve as a turning point in the area. Despite the neglect, we believe in dialogue and will continue to dialogue”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe said the turn-out was to show solidarity and love. “Those here are not here because of a sense of duty but because of a great friendship and support for the Vice President. In a few months that he has been in office, he has shown great outreach and is very accessible.
�He has shown wisdom to all who have come across him and this is a testimony for Pa Jonathan. He has lived a successful life and we thank all who came to celebrate with the Jonathan family”, he said.
Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State who spoke on behalf of all the governors present said Pa Jonathan did not just contribute to his community, Otuoke, but his contributions are now felt in Nigeria where his son is the Vice President.
“That we have a large turn out both on Friday and today confirms that he was well loved. It is a celebration of life because from this family has emerged the Vice President of our country and a great leader”, Saraki said.
Also in his remark, Gowon said the large turn out was all in honour of a great man. “We are here to pay respect to a great man who gave birth to a great son who is today the Vice President of this country. We condole not just the family but the people of the state and the people of Otuoke in particular. But we should not be sad but rather we should celebrate a great man who lived all his years well�, he said.
Vice President Goodluck Jonathan in his closing remark, said he was overwhelmed by the love shown him and his family. He said he was grateful to his late father who was a disciplinarian who forced him back to school when he was about dropping out.
“Words are not enough to describe this great man who is also my father. When I looked at the crowd I knew my father has done well for me�, he said. He said he was humbled by the large turn-out and prayed to God to guide all the guests back to their various destinations.
Some of the notable dignitaries present at the occasion include former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former PDP national chairman, Chief Solomon Lar, Mr. Basil Omiyi of SPDC, Chief Rochas Okorocha, Professor Kimse Okoko, governors of Kwara, Delta, Oyo, Edo, Ekiti, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Ebonyi and Benue among others. Representatives from other states across the country and the wives of some governors were also present at the occasion.
Others present were Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, former governors Dipreye Alamsmesigha, Sam Egwu, Saminu Turaki, Olusegun Osoba, Prof. Dora Akunyili,of NAFDAC, Chief Cecilia Ibru, MD, Oceanic Bank, Mr. Femi Otedola of Zenon Oil, Mr.Jim Ovia, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Andrew Azazi, Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, Senate
President David Mark, Sen. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello who represented her father, former president Olusegun Obasanjo and representives of Actors in Nigeria among others.
MEND Statement in Response:
Subject: Re: We Used pa Jonathan’s burial to test Niger Delta Peace – Timipre Sylva
The governor of Bayelsa state, Chief Timipre Sylva was quoted as saying that the burial of the Vice Presidents father in Bayelsa was a “test to confirm that there is peace in the region”.
We beg to disagree and can confirm also that we used the occassion to test our penetration of the poor security where three car bombs, successfully stationed side-by-side military vehicles and security forces was called off at the last moment to avoid civilian casualties and embarrassment to the Vice President.The vehicles left the event and the explosives disabled.The powerful cocktail of military and industrial explosives would have halted the occassion and many lifes lost.
The governor, Timipre Sylva seems to be living in a fools paradise where he believes that peace can be achieved in haste, by offering bribes and in an uncoordinated fashion. Real peace can only come to the region when Henry Okah is released and a genuine peace process put in place with all major actors including Henry participating.
Jomo Gbomo