Bayelsa 2020 and the John Jonah Factor: Why the Candidates Antecedents, Experience Count

By Inno Paul

The race to succeed Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State is building up and fast gathering momentum, with gladiators and aspirants moving in droves to pick up Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms. However, it is very pertinent here to stress that political power is not an end in itself, rather a means to an end, and that end usually translates to a better life for the electorates and the generality of the populace.

The current Deputy Governor of the Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd) has also finally indicated an interest in the race. Thursday, July 11, 2019, he with a coterie of his family members, friends, political associates and well-wshers stormed the Wadata House, Abuja National Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to officially make his interest known by picking up the forms.

Suffice it for us to add here that before then, there were feelers from the Corridors of Power in Yenagoa, that Jonah had not long ago declined Governor Henry Dicksons request to contest for the Bayelsa East Senatorial Ticket, preferring instead to quietly retire after his tenure as deputy- governor. Now he has been persuaded to join the race to succeed his boss as the search for the PDP flag- bearer intensifies.

At the Wadata Plaza, Jonah made a promise to build on the legacies spear-headed by Dickson in the last seven years; and with that his entrance into the governorship race has changed the contest as he is now the front-runner to get the ticket.

By this action, he has not only made a bold statement in the political space but has answered the clarion call by Bayelsans urging him to contest the governorship; even as Gov. Dickson has equally provided a level-playing ground for competent members of the party to express interest to contest the governorship primaries, as well as create the opportunity for all the aspirants with a strong quest to govern the state to test their popularity with the delegates of the PDP during the September 3, 2019 Party Primaries.

The development is good for democracy and its growth. It is commendable that the governor has defeated the strong temptation to impose any candidate on the party contrary to the rampant practice across some states of the federation.

It should serve as a template for others to emulate in order to avoid the unhealthy contests occasioned by bitterness and acrimony. His action is a courageous display of character and fairness which should be commended by all lovers of democracy and the general good.

However, it is no gainsaying the fact that of all the aspirations and would-be candidacy, John Jonah, stands on a sound evidence-based, experienced and high moral ground to succeed the Countryman Governor. As the deputy governor of the oil-rich state for about seven and half years now, he has demonstrated what is possible when leaders shelve personal interests for the overall good of their followers.

He has over the period supported his boss, Governor Dickson wholeheartedly, which is why the administration has achieved monumental results in socio-economic and political growth and stability. Thus, who else is better positioned to continue advancing the Dicksons legacies than the man who has been an insider part of the team?

Who else is more qualified to step into Dicksons shoes in order to continue to maintain the prevailing peace in the state than John Jonah? The transparency and accountability that have become the hallmarks of governance in Bayelsa State in the seven and half years are evidenced in the huge socio-economic development of the state. Who else should share in these accolades along with Governor Dickson if not his co-pilot, John Jonah?

The true test of a mans character is when he is presented with the opportunity to abuse power and he refuses to do it; John Jonah has demonstrated this possibility. Unlike what we are used to in our clime, where governors and their deputies are always at daggers-drawn, the Dickson-John Jonah relationship has shown that when two selfless servant-leaders are on the same ticket, the governed must swim in waters of enjoyment.

Or will one fault, the axiom "....a DEPENDABLE and RELIABLE ally...." as the Great Ofuruma Pepe often publicly and in private describes his deputy.

Now that Bayelsa has witnessed accelerated development under this duo, it is only natural that John Jonah be supported to carry on the good work of the Restoration Administration. No person of good conscience will wish Bayelsa to return to the dark days of chaos, insecurity and underdevelopment. By that reason, John Jonah who has been tested and trusted is better placed to continue to re-enforce the current momentum and/or template that have been set.

One of the raging debates today is security challenges. Whats more? As a retired Rear Admiral, there is no one better qualified to continue to maintain the security of the state like John Jonah. After all, the Holy Bible says that To those who have, more will be given unto them. In that light, since John Jonah is a sitting deputy governor and has proven himself worthy of being trusted, it is only natural that he should be elevated to the position of governor to continue the good work.

John Jonah is not only a dependable character worthy of being trusted with the peoples mandate; he is also a loyal party man. Unlike nomadic politicians who go round in circles from party to party, John Jonah has remained a committed and loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, since joining politics.

Born March 6, 1954 in Nembe in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah rtd, is a a highly-cerebral Nigerian politician and retired Naval Officer cum Engineer. He can best be described as loyalty exemplified, a detribalized and exemplary leader, a silent achiever, a teacher, a mentor, an administrator, a workaholic and wonderful time manager.

And for Bayelsa State, the Glory of all Lands: Rear Admiral John Jonah is the Way to the Future” for a Greater Bayelsa State. He is surely The Man to Beat.

Inno Paul, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Lagos.