Bayelsa Gov Poll: I won’t impose successor – Governor Dickson

 

• Says right candidate will emerge in PDP

Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, on Monday, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 16 governorship election in the state would emerge through the right process and not by imposition.

He advised aspirants who believe in imposition of candidates to have a rethink.

Dickson, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, stated this in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of a solidarity visit to the headquarters of Daar Communications Plc at Asokoro in Abuja.

The broadcast licence of the media organisation was last Thursday suspended by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) but later lifted on the order of an Abuja High Court.

The governor said any of the aspirants who has the experience and capacity should make their case to the party and Bayelsans.

His words: “I led a party to victory against a vicious opposition. I can lead PDP to victory. I have done it repeatedly.

“In the primary election, there will be no form of manipulation. People talking about manipulation are anticipating that they should be imposed. I’m not going to impose any of them. Any of them who feel they have experience and capacity should go and make their case to the people of Bayelsa State.”

The governor also said that sustaining what he had done so far would be a decision of God Almighty and the people.

“I hope that the right person with competence and capacity emerges to build on the foundation I and my team have laid over the last seven years plus. I have no doubt that the right person would emerge with my support,” he said.

On the preparedness of the PDP for the November 16 election, Governor Dickson said he had made the party the most attractive platform.

“The PDP is the most prepared party. I have in the last few years built a solid, formidable and all-inclusive party such that even those who left found it as the most attractive platform to return to.

“I have made it very inclusive and everybody will be consulted. Every person that has a role to play would be allowed to play that role. The party leaders will play their role and delegates ultimately will decide who the candidates shall be.

“So I use this opportunity to call on those who are interested in the platform that we have worked hard to create to tell the state and us how farther they can deepen what has been started. The PDP is an all-inclusive, big and strong platform backed by concrete performance on ground with credible leadership.”

The governor described the closure of Daar Communications as a serious threat to democracy in Nigeria.

“A few days ago, we were shocked at the sudden closure of Daar Communications by the NBC. When we got the unfortunate news, we, the PDP governors, made our condemnation public.

“We thank the judiciary for its decision. The right of free speech should be the first to be protected. We consider what happened as a serious blow to our efforts to deepen the nation’s democracy and free exchange of views.

“We commended Daar Communications for the great efforts in the interest of our country and democracy. If in the course of carrying out your duties you are accused, the due process should be followed instead of arbitrary abuse.

“Daar Communications has become a national institution. No one will be allowed to limit the rights of free speech,  which is essential for the existence of our country. Great care must be exercised when matters of such are on. The task of building a democratic Nigeria is ongoing,” he said.

In his remarks, Chairman Emeritus of Daar Communications, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, said at the age of 68, he had no regret staging a protest in defence of freedom of speech.

Chief Dokpesi insisted that the organisation did not breach the NBC code and was not guilty of any infraction.

He however disclosed that key stakeholders in the media industry have met with the NBC and that a truce had been reached.

“The fathers of the industry have waded in and met the NBC. I’m pleased to inform you that a truce was agreed upon that Daar Communications Plc should appoint an ombudsman,” he said.

Govt should explore opportunities in taxation,  Chike-Obi advises

There are hidden economic opportunities in taxation which government should explore by bringing more people into the tax net, the Executive Vice Chairman, Alpha African Advisory, Mustapha Chike-Obi has said.

He gave the advice on Monday while speaking at the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) Bi-Monthly Forum, with theme: ‘Repositioning Nigerian Economy for Sustainable Growth’, he said Nigeria’s tax rate at 30 per cent is one of the highest in the world, adding that multiple taxation should be discouraged.

Chike-Obi, who was former Managing Director/CEO Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), also spoke on intervention funds, and why adequate infrastructure is needed to stimulate the economy instead of relying solely on intervention funds.

He also spoke on the need to lend at lower interest rate at around 12 to 15 per cent per annum and considerations by foreign creditors in lending to emerging markets.

“All these intervention funds, don’t work. And let me tell you why they don’t work. If you  lend to a farmer at five per cent, you think you are helping him but everything around him is at 26 per cent. So, he gets a little bit of relief on his financing, but he doesn’t get reliefs on his supplies, diesel, food, employees, so at the end of the day, those things he gets at 26 per cent invades his five per cent,” he said.

The event was meant to set economic agenda for the newly inaugurate government and address key economic issues.

Chike-Obi said intervention funds also don’t work because “the default rates are as high as default rates of non-intervention funds. So, they don’t work. They are not very efficient”.