A political support group, the Tinubu/Sylva APC Bayelsa Vanguard, held a solidarity rally across majority streets of Yenagoa on Monday, declaring unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva. The march attracted hundreds of APC loyalists and aimed to underscore the stance of Sylva as a committed party leader and one of the strongest forces in Bayelsa politics.
Speaking with journalists during the rally, the convener of the group, Comrade John Ayebabomote Birakumo, said Sylva was one of the founding pillars of the APC and had made immense sacrifices to grow the party in the state and at the national level.
He said: “We are creating awareness to remind Bayelsans and the APC family that Chief Timipre Sylva remains a committed and visionary leader.” Birakumo observed that while some politicians defected to other parties, Sylva stood his ground, contested the last election on the platform of APC, and even worked to strengthen the party.
Birakumo condemned what he described as politically motivated attacks against the former governor, claiming such actions were driven by fears of Sylva’s rising influence. He praised Sylva as a democrat and statesman whose commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda underlines his dedication to national progress.
He added that Monday’s rally marked the beginning of a broader mobilization effort across Bayelsa to reinforce support for both Tinubu and Sylva.
He said, “There will be weekly rallies across the state in support of Chief Timipre Sylva and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” and called on the president to ignore “malicious whispers” seeking to cause tension in the state.
Birakumo added that Sylva’s leadership has impacted many lives across Bayelsa, reflected in the wide support he enjoys. The demonstration comes amidst renewed tension within the Bayelsa APC, following reports of internal divisions and attempts to weaken the former governor’s political influence.
