Posted by By JAMES OJO, Abuja on
Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva has described as figment of imagination, reports that he was at loggerheads with Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan.
Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva has described as figment of imagination, reports that he was at loggerheads with Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan.
Timipre, who returned from China with President Umaru Yar'Adua on Sunday told newsmen in Abuja that he was in the best of relationship with the Number 2 citizen, contrary to claims by a group of politicians who were out to cause mischief in the state.
'Against the wishes of those who want to cause friction between myself and the Vice President, we have excellent relationship. We have been agreeing on issues.
We have mutual respect for each other.
'In fact, there is no tussle between us because, there is no basis for it. The VP is up there, showing good example of leadership to us coming behind. How can I, a state governor be looking the VP in the eye, for what?
'I always consult him on all issues, because, apart from being my predecessor in office as governor, he is my elder brother, an experienced politician, that is why I consult him in governing the state," Timipre said.
The governor advised those peddling rumour that he was fighting the Vice President to look for better things to do, as he said he would never bite the fingers that fed him. He added that whatever differences within the PDP family in the state would be resolved without bringing the name of the VP into disrepute.
Governor Timipre advised those nursing grudges over the conduct of the state congress to embrace peace as the decision of the Congress has the final say on affairs of the party at the state level.
According to him, it was true that the caucus of the party in the state agreed to retain the former executive, but that the state congress with the backing of the National Secretariat of the party decided to hold the congress where a new set of state officers emerged.
'No one can accuse me of masterminding the outcome of the state congress. First, I was not even in the country when it was held, two, the national secretariat authorised the congress and the venue. That is why I stand by the decision of the congress and the Vice President also told me that he too stands by the result of the congress," the governor said.
He dismissed reports that members of the National Assembly from the state were divided over the rumour.