Dickson's rally grounds traffic in Bayelsa

A rally organised on Thursday by supporters of the Peoples Democratic Partys candidate for the 2012 governorship election in Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, created traffic snarl in the state, especially in Yenagoa, the capital.The assembly, which was organised by the Initiative for the Restoration of Bayelsa State and the New Nigerian Initiative for Development, attracted supporters of Dickson from the eight local government areas of the state.While some travellers groaned under heavy traffic snarl, others who clamoured for a change in the administration of the state were seen dancing to the rhythms of the campaign train.The walk, which started at 8am from Igbogene, a suburb of Yenagoa, caused gridlock halting commercial activities temporarily along the dual carriageway leading to the state capital from Tombia Roundabout.The supporters of Dickson who wore T-shirts with inscriptions such as Marching to Creek Heaven, stormed the road in a convoy of over 40 buses, cars and trucks and blocked one of the lanes.The crowd chanted solidarity songs for their candidate as they distributed fliers and posters of Dickson and his running mate, Mr. John Jonah, to onlookers.The movement created tension in the oil-rich state leading to fears that the campaign train might clash with the supporters of the embattled Governor Timpre Sylva.But our correspondent observed that the march which terminated at the campaign headquarters of Dickson along Isaac Boro Way was peaceful as it was done under high security surveillance.No fewer than four Armoured Personnel Carriers, six patrol vans of armed policemen and a detachment of Air Force Mobility Commands operatives monitored the movement from morning till about 4pm when it ended.
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