‘I Will Not Support Tinubu Because Of Sylva!’ Don Capello Makes Shocking Political Declaration, Challenges Fair-Weather Loyalists!
By Passman Akpos
A Niger Delta political activist, Edmund Ebiware Ebipulou Opori, popularly known as Don Capello Otiagada, has publicly declared solidarity with former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, amid what he described as the former governor’s difficult political and personal circumstances.
In an emotional message addressed to Sylva, Otiagada recalled the support he allegedly received from the former governor during his own imprisonment, promising not to abandon him at a time when he believes Sylva needs the support of those who benefited from his political influence and generosity.
“You never left me when I was in jail. You stood by me. You vouched for me. I will not let you down also, now that you are passing through your own ordeals,” he declared.
Otiagada, who described Sylva as a man with a great destiny and a history of political comebacks, said he could understand the emotional trauma of watching former associates and beneficiaries move to the opposing political camp.
He, however, urged the former governor not to blame those who had chosen different political directions, arguing that political survival and changing circumstances often influence people’s decisions.
According to him, he had experienced a similar situation when he was arrested and imprisoned, claiming that some individuals whose lives he had positively impacted subsequently associated with those he accused of framing him.
“I have passed through this before. I saw how people I lifted, people whose lives I touched, when I was framed up and taken to jail, they were dining and wining with the people that framed me up and took me to jail. So I can imagine how you are feeling now,” he stated.
SYLVA CREDITED WITH BUILDING APC’S POLITICAL STRUCTURE IN NIGER DELTA
The activist also credited Sylva with playing a significant role in building and strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Niger Delta, particularly when the party faced criticism and resistance in its early days.
He recalled that when Sylva emerged as a major figure in the APC, critics allegedly described the party as an unfamiliar political platform and labelled it a Hausa party.
However, Otiagada maintained that Sylva stood his ground, helped change the political narrative and contributed to building a structure from which several politicians in the Niger Delta are now benefiting.
He questioned why some individuals who allegedly benefited from Sylva’s political sacrifices had remained silent over his present circumstances.
According to him, some former beneficiaries appear more interested in distancing themselves from the former governor than acknowledging his contributions to their political advancement.
“Today everybody is benefiting from that party. Many people benefited from your sacrifice today in Niger Delta. Nobody has done what you have done. They are still eating from the sources you opened,” he said.
He further alleged that some former associates now regard Sylva as a political obstacle rather than someone whose contributions deserve recognition.
SAYS SYLVA’S SUPPORTERS ARE SUFFERING
Otiagada also expressed concern over the alleged abandonment of some of Sylva’s loyal supporters, claiming that individuals who previously sought empowerment through the former governor have continued to suffer because they are identified as his core supporters.
He explained that although Sylva had provided opportunities for several people, some of those beneficiaries allegedly failed to extend similar opportunities to others who supported the former governor.
He, however, maintained that he did not consider Sylva’s decision to empower certain individuals a mistake, describing the situation as part of life’s unpredictable circumstances.
“I will not say you empowered the wrong people. No. You are not wrong. It is how fate wants it to be. I am not saying they are bad people,” he added.
REJECTS TINUBU SUPPORT, WARNS AGAINST CRITICISM
In one of the strongest political declarations in his message, Otiagada said he would personally not support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing his loyalty to Sylva and his dissatisfaction with the country’s current condition.
“For your sake alone, I will not support Tinubu, me personally. I keep relationship. I will not support Tinubu besides the country is messed up,” he declared.
The activist also warned individuals he described as political fair-weather friends and critics against sending him unsolicited advice following his public declaration.
Insisting that he was not afraid to express his political convictions, Otiagada referenced his experience in prison, arguing that his past ordeal had strengthened his resolve to speak openly about issues affecting the Niger Delta.
He further distinguished his position from what he described as politically motivated agitation, insisting that his commitment was to the Ijaw cause rather than the pursuit of political appointments or personal benefits.
“I am not a coward. I have seen it all. I am not afraid to speak my mind. I have been to the worst imprisonment in life. I am not scared of what you are scared of. That’s why I am different from the rest so-called agitators. I stand fearlessly for the Ijaw cause, not politics,” he declared.
Otiagada’s message has brought renewed attention to the politics of loyalty, political patronage, betrayal and shifting alliances in Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta.
His declaration also raises broader questions about the responsibilities of political beneficiaries towards former benefactors, particularly when those benefactors face political difficulties.
While political alliances are often shaped by changing interests and circumstances, Otiagada’s intervention underscores his belief that personal loyalty and gratitude should not disappear simply because political fortunes have changed.
He concluded his message by reaffirming his solidarity with Sylva, expressing confidence that the former governor would eventually have another opportunity to correct what he considers shortcomings in his political relationships and leadership approach.
Tarakirivoice Newspaper
Without Fear Nor Favour
