By Amos Okioma
The former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief ‘Timi Alaibe, has congratulated the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, on his nomination for ministerial appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari and subsequent screening by the Senate.
Alaibe described Sylva’s nomination as an opportunity for him to employ his know-how and experience as former governor who managed the affairs of the state for four years, to the service of Nigerians and that of Bayelsa people.
The former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) observed that the nomination and the anticipated Senate confirmation of Sylva for appointment as minister will give Bayelsa people a sense of belonging in an administration viewed by many as continuously depriving the people of the State of any benefitting representation at the federal level.
In a congratulatory message released in Yenogoa, capital of Bayelsa State on Sunday July 28, Alaibe declared, “I received with delight the news of the nomination of Chief Timipre Sylva by the President and his subsequent screening by the Senate for appointment as Minister of the Federal Republic.
“My joy stems from the fact that for a long time, Bayelsa people have been deprived of effective representation at the level of senior ministerial appointment. Knowing full well that Chief Sylva has been a loyal party man in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), it is therefore taken for granted that he would be fully rewarded with appointment to a ministry and at a level that would enable him empower his people
“It is my belief that no matter what portfolio is assigned Chief Timipre Sylva, he would deliver. Having governed Bayelsa State for four years, he would employ that experience to deliver on his party’s promises under the right atmosphere,
“I therefore congratulate Chief Sylva on his anticipated appointment and swearing-in by the President having already scaled the Senate screening. I congratulate the people of Bayelsa State for this opportunity granted them by the President for representation in the Federal Executive Council.”