By Sampson Boroh
A former chairman of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Mr Bello Bina has defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the November 16th governorship election.
Bina, a leader of PDP in Brass Council, announced his defection from his former party on Wednesday.
He blamed his defection on alleged hijack of the activities and appointments within the ruling party in the state by forces reportedly loyal to the State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson.
According to him, he reached the decision to join the ruling APC at the centre after series of consultations with family members and political associates in across the state.
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The former council boss who claimed he was one of the founding members of the PDP in Bayelsa under the late former Governor DSP Alameiseigha, said PDP can no longer advance the will and aspiration of the people of the state.
Bina, in a letter dated 30th of October,2019 and addressed to the ward 10 Chairman of the PDP in Sangana community in Brass Local Government Area, stated that his decision is personal and thank the PDP for the opportunities and experiences in the last 16 years of membership.
In his chat with newsmen at his residence, Hon. Bello Bina said he has observed that the PDP, which they started in 1999, has become estranged with the people of the state and that those in position of power under the party were never part of the foundation.
He said “despite the fact that he is a known businessman that never depended largely on politics. Bayelsa can attest to that. My membership with the If you take a look at the PDP now in Bayelsa, it can be likened to the issue of a Tenant taking over a house and never knew how the landlord or owner of the house laid the foundation.
“Those who hijacked the PDP have destroyed it. Those who called themselves the leaders no more engage in consultations and the activities within the party has become that of imposition without due regard to members.
“With my worrisome observation, I want to tell the PDP members, who are actually nice and amiable people that I have worked with over years, which I can no longer continue with the PDP. I have served the PDP and I did not move from another party to PDP.
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“I have labored for the PDP and there is no way I can work for the party and some people come to hijack the party. It is only those that sorely depend on politics that will remain and take the worrisome development. Am angry and I must tell you that the PDP has derailed.
“I couldn’t believe that these are happening with the PDP. During my reign as the Brass Local Government Chairman, there was never a political crisis and deaths recorded. But go and check now, there are many dead bodies in the mortuary. Nobody death is worth gains into my pocket. The PDP does not recognize those who have labored for it. It is shameful and poor.”
Hon. Bina, who in 2015 was a known campaigner against APC, announced the withdrawal of the vow that if the APC wins he would go on exile,” that was the level of my commitment to the PDP.
“But now, I have realized that it is no longer visible and have withdrawn the threat and declare to work for the emergence of Chief David Lyon as Governor of Bayelsa.
“I have looked at it that the future of Bayelsa people will not be fulfilled under the PDP but the APC. How can the PDP messed the party up without due consultation.”
