Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the people of Bayelsa to vote for Seriake Dickson, the PDP candidate in the December 5 guber polls, warning them not to be carried away by the sweet promises of politicians but to evaluate all the candidates based on their antecedents.

According to him, of all the candidates, Dickson is far more real and has a lot of achievements to show for his commitment to the welfare of the people and development of the state.

Jonathan who spoke during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) grand finale rally and presentation of flag to Governor Henry Seriake Dickson at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenogoa used the opportunity to woo the people on the side of Dickson, whom he openly endorsed for re-election for his giant strides in all facets of life in Bayelsa.

According to the former President “So, for the Bayelsa young people, do not be carried away by politicians. Politicians are people of many words, they go to so many places, talking to so many people, telling so many lies.

“So, do not listen to what people say, but assess what people have done over the period. Most of the candidates are well known to you, so it is the choice of Bayelsa young people to vote for development of this state or to vote for the retrogression of this state. It is the choice of Bayelsa young people to vote for education of our youths or to vote for the retrogression of our young people.

“The choice is ours and I think you will think beyond yourselves. At our age, we are looking down, we are not looking up, whether you like it or not. So, think about your children and your grandchildren, think about building a state for your children and grandchildren, do not think about what you will swallow in the morning and I believe that the steps so far taken by Dickson has shown me that he wants development of this state.

“Dickson has encouraged development in this state. He is committed, he has that vision and all the projects he has been carrying on show that the young man is seeing Bayelsa beyond today. No leader can change a nation if you do not see beyond your nose.

“I am telling the young people, this election is not for Jonathan and Dickson, the election is for you to vote for your liberation, to live in peace and to live in developed society.”

In his speech, Governor Dickson told the All Progressives Congress (APC) that there was no vacancy in Bayelsa.

He claimed that he would win the forthcoming election by 99 per cent, saying that his main rival, Timipre Sylva of APC should celebrate if he is able to win his ward in Okpoama, Brass during the poll.

He sued for peace in the state and urged the youth not be intimidated by the opposition.

Dickson said: “I will win the poll round and square, by at least 99 per cent. Do not allow anybody to intimidate you.”

Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Uche Secondus, and other party leaders were in attendance.

Others were Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, State Chairman, PDP, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff and Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd)