By Samuel Oyadongha
Yenagoa— Governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, weekend, intensified his quest to reconcile with aggrieved stakeholders of the party and sections of the state over contentious issues that arose from the party’s ward congresses and primaries.

He appealed to over 22 youth groups and elders of the state to assist in reconciliation and position the state for development in 2012.

While the meeting of the youth groups was led by the Ijaw Youth Council and the National Union of Bayelsa State Students, the elders meeting was attended by over 59 political elders and professionals, led by the pioneer civilian governor of the state, Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha.

The youth groups, led by student union activist, Mr. George Turnar, resolved to prevail on politicians, political groups and parties in the state to ensure that there was peaceful, hitch free election come February 2012.

In a statement issued in Yenagoa by Mr. Diranyei Deseotukpoemi, Mr. Nelson Abali and Mr. George Turnar, the youths said: “All politicians should bury their differences and work together for the peace, unity and development of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region.

“We urge all politicians to run campaigns based on ideas and policies that will benefit students, youths and the entire education sector.

“We also wholeheartedly applaud the security arrangements in the state today and are happy that unlike before, the cult wars and daily killings and violence perpetrated by the previous security outfit in the state has stopped.

“After listening to the declaration of the PDP flag bearer, Mr. Seriake Dickson, we have come to realise that he has a well articulated plan and pragmatic vision for students and youths.”

The elders of the party in the state, under the aegis of the Elders Forum, in a statement last Friday, said: “We appreciate the role of our son and leader, President Goodluck Jonathan, for not interfering in the internal democratic process of PDP in Bayelsa State.

“The forum wishes to wholeheartedly endorse the victory of Mr. Seriake Dickson and congratulate him on his emergence as the flag bearer of the party.

“The forum has resolved to mobilise all and sundry in Bayelsa State to ensure victory for PDP at the February 2012 election.”