A former Director-General, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Dr Franklin Osaisai, on Sunday publicly declared his interest to contest the November 9 governorship election in Bayelsa.

Osaisai, a Nuclear Scientist, made his gubernatorial ambition at a church service at St John’s Anglican Church in his community, Koluama situated along the Atlantic coastline in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa.

Speaking during the service titled ‘Solemn Declaration of Interest’, Osaisai, former Director-General, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, explained that he resolved to come back to the roots of his humble beginning in Church.

He said that he recalled that it was the grace of God that took him from being a Chorister at the St John’s Anglican Church to the pinnacle of his career and becoming a pioneer Chief Executive of the Atomic Energy Commission.

He said that his aspiration was born out of compassion for service to the people of Bayelsa following the winding down of the current administration led by Governor Seriake Dickson on Feb 14, 2020.

“I aspire to lead the people of Bayelsa to consolidate the achievements of Governor Dickson and it is in realisation of the fact that leadership comes from God that I chose to declare my intention from where I had my humble beginning.

“I am a firm believer and beneficiary of God’s grace and because power comes from God, I thought it wise to come to the source and declare my interest before God in the presence of people.

“I hope to be fair to all parts of Bayelsa and mobilise the people for development and progress and I position myself to lead,” Osaisai said.

Osaisai was also a former Commissioner for Works in Bayelsa during the administration of Late Gov DSP Alamieyeseigha.

Speaking at the Service, Dr Emmanuel Oko-Jajan, Bishop of Niger Delta West Diocese, said that God instituted government and ordains leaders adding that those who want to lead must have the right motives.

He noted that it was instructive that Osaisai did not forget his humble beginnings and said that such a trait was rare amongst the elite.

“If a man will remember and recognise his humble background and chose to take this first step in this rural remote setting, it is an indication that he will reenact the success he made out of his career.

“While it is good to aspire for leadership, it is the motive behind the aspiration that counts before God,” Oko-Jaja said.

Clergymen, Traditional Rulers from Koluama Council of Chiefs, community members and associates of Osaisai graced the occasion

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