Will Dickson Break The Jinx? What You Should Know About Former Bayelsa Governors

It’s less than 24 hours to the Bayelsa state governorship election and tension is mounting.

According to the list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 20 candidates will be contesting for an opportunity to occupy the Creek Haven, Bayelsa state government house.

Apparently, a lot of people are only unconcerned about the incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chief Timipre Sylva, a former governor of the state and candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

No one seems to be bothered about the other candidates.

So it appears that Saturday’s contest will be between the PDP and the APC.

There are concerns as to who will become the next governor of the state and many are wondering if Dickson will be able to clinch a second term, a feat none of his predecessors has achieved.

None of the governors that had governed the state since the return of the country to democratic rule in 1999, has ever successfully completed the con­stitutional two tenures in office. Their tenure has always been abort­ed half way either by commis­sion or omission.

READ ALSO: Top 5 Controversies Involving Timipre Sylva

There have been four indigenous governors of the state since 1999. They are:

It started with Chief Diepreye Alameyeseigha

He was the first civilian governor of the state, from May 29, 1999 to December 9, 2005. Though he won a second term, he was impeached shortly after on allegations of corruption. For not being eligible to complete his second tenure, his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan was hurriedly sworn in as the governor, having been impeached by the state assembly.

Next was Goodluck Jonathan

Jonathan became the substantive governor of the state from December 9, 2005 to May 29, 2007. He barely completed the tenure when providence shot him to national political scene as the vice president of Nigeria.

Timipre Sylva took over from Jonathan

Sylva won the gubernatorial election on May 29, 2007 and succeeded Jonathan who was elevated to the position of vice president. His election was nullified on April 15, 2008. On May 24, 2008, fresh election was held and Sylva was elected. He was sworn-in again on May 27, 2008. On January 27, 2012, his tenure was terminated by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Top 4 Controversies Involving Seriake Dickson

Next came Seriake Dickson

Dickson assumed his role as governor of Bayelsa state on February 14, 2012. His tenure expires next and he is seeking re-election. He is one of the candidates in tomorrow’s election.

It is yet to be expected if Governor Dickson’s administration will survive break the second tenure jinx.

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