Hon Olali Suwofien, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former Special Assistant to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state has denied defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement made available to Blueprint, Monday, Suwofien declared that there was no truth in the story making the rounds in the media space, saying he remained loyal to the governor and the PDP.
He confirmed that although he was invited to a meeting by Chief Timipere Sylva, candidate of the APC in the November 11 governorship election, which he honoured, Suwofien said “I declined the offer extended to me to defect and join the APC.”
The statement reads in part: “My attention has been drawn to numerous stories making the rounds, particularly in the social media space, of my alleged defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I like to state without equivocation that there is no truth in the alleged defection stories. While it is true that I was invited to a meeting with His Excellency, Chief Timipere Sylva, former Governor of Bayelsa State and candidate of the APC in the November 11 governorship election, which I respectfully honoured, I declined the offer extended to me to defect and join the APC.
“My refusal of the offer is in line with my personal convictions, particularly that Governor Douye Diri, my principal and leader of my party the PDP has performed excellently well as Governor of our dear State in the last three and half years to the satisfaction and admiration of Bayelsans, well enough to earn him a second term in office.
“I therefore wish to disassociate myself from the unfortunate story of my defection and also reaffirm my total loyalty to my party PDP, our leader H.E. Sen. Douye Diri and the Prosperity Government, which I am privileged to serve as a Special Assistant to the Governor.”
