Silva Opuala-Charles, former Commissioner for Finance and Budget under the administration of Timipre Sylva, former Governor of Bayelsa State, has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Accord Party.
Opuala-Charles, a popular APC aspirant for the Bayelsa East Senatorial seat for the National Assembly election was reported to have lost out during the hamonised primary election of the party in Bayelsa East Senatorial district, which saw Bishop Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo emerge as the party’s candidate.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, he premised his decision on the need to fulfil his aspiration to represent his people in the 2019 general election.
The statement read: “Some people will wonder why this eleventh hour decision after the earlier announcement of maintaining the status quo. This new stance is borne out of a further review of the contextual and conceptual flaws in the decision that was taken and the pressure from constituents and beyond till this moment.
“Moreover, we must respect the rights of the electorate to decide who should represent them and not the privileged class. This is the crux of our mindless underdevelopment and the despondency. Hence,I have to make this people-oriented choice for the good of our people. As Hilary Rodham Clinton puts it, ‘along the way, I have tried not to make the same mistakes twice, to learn, to adapt and to pray for the wisdom to make better choices in the future’.
“It will be most unfortunate for me to be found on the wrong side of history by ignoring the stringent calls of the people and, thereby, inadvertently contributing to the further degeneration of our senatorial district. All sensible mortals must endeavour to leave society better than the way they met it and not for any reason reverse the gains already made and those in sight. Let me be on the right side of the people to deepen democracy no matter what it takes and that is my resolve.
“To my colleagues, friends and members of the All Progressive Congress, Bayelsa State, as I leave you to pursue this dream, I call for understanding on the part of those who may feel offended by my decision as it does not take away our brotherhood and friendship. It is a decision borne out of an unquenchable vision for the good of society and to deepen our democracy.
“As you know very well as politicians, there are neither permanent enemies nor friends in politics but permanent interests. Therefore, I look forward to alignments where possible for us to give the best to our people and change the narrative in one ACCORD!!!”
