Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned the incoming governor of Bayelsa state, Chief David Lyon to beware of sycophants and praise singers who will mill around him as he settles down to the task of governance.
Frank said the new administration should also be careful corrupt politicians capable of tarnishing the image of his government.
He asked the new governor to consider involving more competent women and youths in his government and not necessarily appoint people based on friendship or political affiliation.
Frank said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday that his victory at the last governorship election goes beyond the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party, hence the need for him to run an all-inclusive government.
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While expressing confidence in the ability of Lyon to deliver on his campaign promises, Frank said Bayelsa state is still backward in terms of development because the state has not been lucky to have a committed governor.
He said “I will like to congratulate Chief David Lyon as he takes over the mantle of leadership of my state on Friday, 14th February 2020. I expect the new governor to dedicate this laudable success to God and the people of Bayelsa because the last governorship election which produced him goes beyond APC as a political party, it was a vote of no confidence in the outgoing governor and a vote of confidence in the incoming governor.
“Bayelsans voted irrespective of party affiliation for justice, development and a new order in the state. It is my belief that the incoming governor will learn from the outgoing governor, especially how his praise singers turned to boo him at the end of his government.
“It is my belief that the incoming governor will be a governor for all irrespective of tribe, political party, religion or any other sentiments.
“I call on Chief David Lyon to be wary of sycophants and corrupt politicians with bad records with various anti-corruption agencies in the country. This is important because Bayelsans actually voted for David Lyon and it is David Lyon they will hold accountable when the time arises.
“Political jobbers should not have upper hands over technocrats and professionals. Political appointments should not be lopsided. Fairness and justice should, however, be your watchwords,
Frank urged David Lyon to be firm in taking decisions but always pay attention to the feelings, outcry and demands of Bayelsans, “I wish the incoming governor will hit the ground running. I wish David Lyon will not abandon projects started by his successors, especially those ones with direct bearing on the lives of Bayelsans.
“David Lyon should not dwell in blame game. Transparency should be given utmost priority. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and Governor Zulum in Borno state are examples of dedication and focus in government today. I hope our amiable Lyon will in no time join the forum of performing governors and the confidence reposed in him by our people will not be in vain”.
He called on Bayelsans at home and abroad to join hands with the incoming governor to succeed, adding that doing so will be a great interest of the state while asking all the aggrieved politicians and leaders at all levels in the state to forget about their personal interests, political affiliations and ethnic sentiments for now and give peace a chance for the new governor to prove himself.
