As the Bayelsa State Governorship election draws closer with heightened political activities, Governor Seriake Dickson has reiterated his call on all supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to continually keep the peace in the face of increasing provocative attacks.

Governor Dickson made the call at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre on Friday while declaring open, the Bayelsa State Solemn Assembly, which is one of the major activities lined up for this year’s edition of the state annual Thanksgiving Day celebration.

The Governor, who was excited at the huge turnout of Bayelsans for the event, noted that baseless vitriolic statements and propaganda being dished out especially from the camp of the main opposition, shows that the party is not only envious of the popular support PDP enjoys in the state but also hell-bent on achieving their ambition through the backdoor.

Expressing optimism over victory in the forthcoming poll, he urged PDP faithful and its sympathisers to disregard claims that the Federal Government would deploy its agencies to work in favour of the opposition.

Governor Dickson, who was full of appreciation to God for His mercies and supremacy over the affairs of men, enjoined them to remain steadfast in their support as no level of manipulation can set aside what is divinely determined.

The Governor, who arrived the venue of the event at about 7:20pm from the PDP community-to-community campaign, which was flagged off with a visit to the Atissa communities in the Yenagoa Local Government Area, maintained that the outpouring of love and solidarity demonstrated by the people reinforces his belief that the party would win the December 5 election overwhelmingly.

While thanking Bayelsans for their understanding and cooperation, Hon Dickson urged the Church and all people of goodwill both within and outside the state to continually pray for the peaceful conduct of the election, and stressed the need for all stakeholders to play by the rules of the game as “no ambition is worth the blood of anybody.”

He also called on Bayelsans to use this period of thanksgiving to deeply reflect on the goodness of God upon the state and their lives with a view to giving the Lord quality thanksgiving offering.

Drawing his exhortation from Psalm 136, Pastor Dotimi Amatari of the Up Up Jesus Church, Jos in Plateau State, enjoined the congregation not to see thanksgiving as a burden, but rather as an act that when properly handled unlocks further blessings.

Amatari, who lauded the Dickson-led administration for setting aside November 2ndevery year for State thanksgiving, described the Law establishing it as the first of its kind in the history of the country and a legacy that would outlive the Restoration Government.

•Photo shows Governor Dickson.

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