The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State in last year’s election, Great Joshua MacIver, has felicitated with the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, at 60 years, describing him as a man of remarkable leadership and vision for Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region.

According to MacIver, though the courts have yet to restore the mandate “erroneously declared during the last governorship poll, the resourcefulness and unwavering dedication to the state and the region are a testament to God’s guidance and Grace in your life.”

Great Joshua MacIver, who served as running mate to Chief Timipre Sylva during the last governorship poll, in a statement issued on Sunday, described Sylva as a “beloved leader,” adding “Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva, De Opuabadi, I warmly celebrate your 60th birthday and honour your remarkable leadership and vision.”

According to him, “As we celebrate this milestone, I join countless others in acknowledging your remarkable leadership and vision for Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region. Your resourcefulness and unwavering dedication are a testament to God’s guidance and Grace in your life.

“Your Excellency Sir, your unrelenting passion for empowering youths and raising young leaders and millionaires, including my humble self and other notable sons and daughters (aged between 27 and 30 years), during your tenure as the amiable Executive Governor of Bayelsa (from 2007 to 2012) has created a shining legacy that will continue to inspire me and generations to come. This record remains unbeaten and unparalleled by successive governments in the state.

“Your dogged pursuit of excellence during your golden reign in office, evident in areas such as infrastructural development, economic growth, improved living standards, and the successful implementation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which provided thousands of beneficiaries with tertiary education, skilled training, monthly stipends, and ultimately restored peace and security to the Niger Delta region, thereby revitalizing the oil and gas industry and promoting economic development, has earned you widespread respect and admiration.

“As your Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC, Bayelsa 2023 gubernatorial elections, I am filled with profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside you, a privilege made possible by your leadership and mentorship.

“Though the courts have yet to restore the mandate erroneously declared, I remain deeply indebted to you for believing in me and providing guidance and support throughout this journey. Your trust in me is a testament to your unwavering commitment to developing future leaders, and I am honoured to be a beneficiary of your wisdom and experience.

“Your leadership and mentorship have been instrumental in my growth and development, and I am eager to continue learning from you.

“As my beloved leader, your vision is like a spark that ignites the fire of progress, and your dedication is the fuel that keeps it burning bright. Thank you for being a shining example of transformative leadership and service. Myself and Bayelsans eagerly await your return to office to usher in a new era of progress with great joy.

“Here’s to many more years of wisdom, impact, and celebration.Congratulations and Happy 60th Birthday once again to my beloved Leader,” he said.