As the Bayelsa gubernatorial election draws closer, the two main contenders continue to go back and forth with their verbal affront.

Incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson says that he’s the best man for the job, stating that his performance as a governor is enough to get him a second term.

“We have changed the face of politics in this state where we have emphasized the importance of the people as the centre of all development. Take the issue of accountability.

For example every month we announce what comes in in terms of revenue and how much we spend. We are empowering our people mentally and democratically to take charge of their future.”

“We have a performing governor and given free and fair elections between myself and Timipre Sylva, forget the parties, there is no basis for comparison. That is why I am not surprised that communities are endorsing me.

I have achieved what if a governor does in eight years, you will clap for him. Our people know it, people outside know it. And I am out to do more in the second term so I will get the second term by the grace of God.”

Dickson further said that he’s the peoples’ man unlike like his rival Sylva whom he claims is hardly ever present in Bayelsa state.

“He is more travelled than I am, so he is right when he refers to me, as I hear, as a bush man. I say he is a guy man, he says I am a bush man but our people say I am a country man because a country man will use boat and canoe to see his country people which is the same transportation system they are used to.

“And I have slept in all local government areas including his own local government which he has not. I slept in southern Ijaw. He should sleep there and not hop in and out. Even as a governor he was hopping in and out of the country. That is a guy man but he is my good friend though we disagree fundamentally in terms of vision.

“You do not come to be a governor because of ego, because you want to blow siren or because you have friends in high places that can help you to get it. I was prepared for governorship.

“That is why when I came you can see how we have established a paradigm shift and if God helps and the people realise the need to protect their future, no guy man in Bayelsa can be governor again because this job is a serious job; one that requires a passion and commitment to do the people’s business, to lift them out of poverty and under development not harbouring resentment or bitterness as a governor.”

Janeth J