– Either way, there is impending betrayal, unless…
By A.J.Konbowei, Political Commentator.
As the elections draw near, it becomes much easier to provide political forecast of outcomes that are close to 100% especially because the individual at the centre of the forecast is inexperienced and unprepared for governance.
I dare say that Diri’s inactions and characteristic lumbering paced decision making and problems solving process, leaves more than enough trails for even an inept and blind person to effortlessly judge the outcome accurately.
I gathered that from the word go, Diri had plann ined to decamp to the APC in order to guarantee his second term in office having observed that he may not be as fortunate a second time since most of his colleagues in the party equally showed interested in the seat and may later come together to fight him and prevent him from getting re-elected a second time.
I also gathered that the highpoint of this decamping plan was the betrayal of Dickson which was meant to serve as an appropriate excuse but has failed so far because strangely, Dickson has kept his distance.
Those close to the governor constantly but quietly for fear of being sidelined, spoke of Diri’s bias in favour of APC supporters and the unfair treatment meted on those his aides term as ‘Dickson’s people’. It is believed that many APC stakeholders are on his private payroll, some have even been awarded contracts while he granted asylum to a few that have fallen out of favour with their leaders. News also has it that Diri until recently, had been making several nocturnal visits to Chief Timipre Sylva and other APC chieftains to first get the leading opposition party in the state to be lenient with their exposition of his administration’s flaws and then prepare the stage for his planned defection all things being equal.
I also gathered that this entire plan was founded on the alleged defection plan by the former president which was subtly introduced for the first time shortly after the announcement of the disqualification of the APC by the Supreme Court in 2019. It appears now that things have gone south.
I also gathered that Diri is not happy at the way events are turning out and has expressed his displeasure at the fact that his close confidants who are mostly APC supporters who came over with the promise of helping him have been the source of all his problems. I also gathered that the governor is also in a very confused state as he doesn’t know who around him can be trusted anymore.
News has it that Diri has now started making a u-turn and in recent times been spending more time in Abuja. Although he claims to be attending functions, but sources from the government house have it that Diri has been paying unending visits to Dickson to beg for his forgiveness.
Diri’s chance of success in his re-election bid is getting slimmer by the day. The alleged frequent trips to Abuja to beg Dickson also suggests that there may be trouble from that axis. However, words from the street are that Dickson will not abandon Diri.
In conclusion, if Diri could take this turn immediately after he was sworn in, for an election that all Bayelsans know was Dickson’s, I can swear that he already has a betrayal plan peradventure he wins the forth coming elections, Dickson’s support regardless. What or whoever informed his initial pursuit is still very much within and if he doesn’t make it, he win blame it on Dickson.
Mark my words.
