APC Chieftain slams Diri over comments on national TV

Forcados NDIOMU, Bayelsa Bureau

 A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, Dr Kojo Sam has condemned in very strong words comments attributed to Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri linking him to the murder of some persons in Opu- Nembe.

Dr Kojo Sam in a statement titled ‘ Governor Diri Unnecessary Grandstanding’ pointed out that Senator Douye Diri during the interview attempted to cast aspersions on his name by regurgitating a baseless and unfounded allegation.

According to him, in the course of Governor Diri’s desperate efforts to denigrate his reputation, the governor displayed crass ignorance about the rule of law and investigation process of law enforcement agencies.

He said it is unfortunate and sad that Governor Diri has continued in his frantic smear campaign against his person because he refused to support his governorship bid.

The statement read in part ‘’ To put the records straight the Bayelsa State Police Command and the Force Headquarters launched an investigation into the incident and absolved me of any complicity.

 ‘’The Police during their investigation discovered that I have nothing to do with the unfortunate incident because in the first place I was nowhere near Opu- Nembe at the time of the incident.

 ‘’It is strange that Governor Douye Diri wants the world to believe I have a hand in the killings when this runs contrary to available facts and records.

"For the record, my conviction in supporting the All Progressive Congress and its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva in the recent governorship election was borne out of the genuine desire to reverse the ugly trend of underdevelopment in Bayelsa State. Please let it be known that no name-calling, intimidation and threats would change that position.

‘’ Governor Douye Diri should face the business of governance and stop chasing shadow  by making groundless allegations against me.‘’