Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Glory FM (Radio Bayelsa) has kicked off its debate for candidates of the various political parties.

The debate, which commenced Friday on the station’s flagship programme, “The Mandate”, saw the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bayelsa West Senatorial Zone squaring up against each other.

In their presentations, the two notable contenders for the senatorial seat assured the people of the zone of effective representation if elected.

The candidate of the PDP and immediate past Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Ewrudjakpor, said part of what he was going to pursue in the Senate was to join like minds to agitate for the issue of restructuring.

He said a restructured Nigeria will bring about even development that will favour the people of Sagbama and Ekeremor local government areas where he intends to represent.

According to him, with his experience and contacts he will also attract more developmental projects to the zone and asked the people to trust him with their votes to replicate what he has done as a commissioner in the last six years.

He thanked Governor Seriake Dickson for given him the opportunity to serve the state, which he noted has equipped him more for the task ahead.

On his part, the APC candidate, Captain Mathew Karimo, said among his main agenda will be to create jobs and he will start in his first three months to create 100 jobs for youths of the senatorial zone.

Karimo, also a one-time Commissioner for Works, stated that he will have a functional senatorial office that will be the rallying point for his constituents to brainstorm and share ideas that will help him articulate their yearnings on the floor of the Senate.

He stressed that his election into the Senate will be a new dawn for people of the zone and added that for so long the people have not had a fair deal from their past representatives.

The ongoing radio debate which is the first of its kind is a veritable platform created by the management of Glory FM to give voters the opportunity to hear first-hand from those intending to represent them.

The debate is expected to continue on Saturday December 1, 2018 with more candidates from across the three senatorial zones, federal and state constituencies.