Chief Inko Brightstar Blasts Yekini Nabena Over Comments on Sylva’s Resignation “Politicians Must Never Forget Those Who Sacrificed for Them” — Brightstar

YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE: A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Inko Brightstar, has strongly criticised Mr. Yekini Nabena over his recent comments questioning the resignation of former Bayelsa State Governor and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, from the party.rnrnNabena, in a statement reportedly made available to journalists, said Chief Timipre Sylva could resign from the APC and “go his own way,” stressing that those remaining in the party were satisfied with the APC.rnrnReacting to the statement, Brightstar, who described himself as an APC Ward exco member and Niger Delta activist, said Nabena’s comments were a reflection of what he described as the unfortunate tendency of politicians to quickly forget individuals who contributed to their political rise.rnrnBrightstar questioned how someone who, according to him, benefited politically from Sylva’s support could publicly speak down on the former governor at a difficult moment.rnrnAccording to him, “If someone like Yekine Nabena can question Chief Timipre Sylva’s decision to resign from the APC, then it shows that some politicians no longer appreciate sacrifice, loyalty and political investment.”rnrnBrightstar further alleged that Sylva played a significant role in Nabena’s emergence and political advancement within the APC, including his alleged support for Nabena’s membership of the party’s National Working Committee on two occasions.rnrnHe therefore challenged politicians who, according to him, benefited from Sylva’s political structure to demonstrate loyalty when their former benefactor is experiencing political difficulties.rnrnBrightstar also made critical comments about Nabena’s alleged political performance in his constituency, claiming that his political influence at the grassroots does not correspond with the positions he has occupied.rnrnHe alleged that Nabena has struggled to deliver his polling unit for the APC over the years and questioned why someone with such an alleged record would publicly denigrate a former governor whom he believes contributed immensely to his political career.rnrnThe APC chieftain, however, said he did not entirely blame Nabena, arguing that Nigerian politics has often rewarded sycophancy at the expense of genuine loyalty.rnrn«“Over the years, politicians have continued to encourage sycophants instead of true followers. People who sacrifice for their political leaders are sometimes forgotten, while those who remain around them merely for personal benefits are rewarded,” Brightstar stated.»rnrnBrightstar also expressed solidarity with Chief Timipre Sylva, urging him to remain strong in what he described as a difficult political period.rnrnHe invoked the traditional spiritual heritage of the Ijaw people, saying the “gods of Ijaw-Izon lands” are with Sylva and expressing confidence that the former governor would overcome his present challenges.rnrnAccording to Brightstar, Sylva has survived difficult political moments in the past and will overcome the current situation as well.rnrnHe recalled what he described as Sylva’s difficult experience during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and urged the former governor not to forget the lessons of that period.rnrnBrightstar also appealed to Sylva to be more strategic about political empowerment in the future.rnrn“When this trying period is over, I sincerely hope Chief Timipre Sylva will remember those who stood by him when it was difficult. He should also learn from the past and be careful about empowering people who may eventually turn around to fight him,” he said.rnrnHe concluded by urging Sylva’s supporters to remain calm and steadfast, insisting that political storms do not last forever.rnrn“This too shall pass. Chief Timipre Sylva will bounce back. But when that happens, he must remember those who stood with him when others abandoned him,” Brightstar added.