By Labofa Ukuata Ogoba
Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Senator Seriake Dickson said all attempts by mischief makers to sow the seed of discord between Governor Douye Diri and he himself would always be in futility as there is no disagreement between them. Senator Dickson stated this when the Governor led a large delegation including his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewrhudjakpor on yuletide visit to him at his country home, Toru-Orua.
According to Senator Dickson, he does not want Bayelsa State to suffer the same fate of political crisis and instability that bedeviled other states because of his love for Ijaw nation, his people and the state and promised to work with the Governor in the interest of the state. He said, his support for the Governor’s gubernatorial bid was unconditional as he does not pester him by way of demand neither seek to control him or his government, rather, his(Senator Dickson) distance,tolerance and silence are deliberate to shame mischief makers who expected a fight between them for their(mischief makers) selfish political agenda.
The lawmaker, on behalf of the leadership of his community and the Bayelsa West Senatorial District, expressed gratitude to the Governor and his delegation for the Christmas visit, describing it as a symbolic one that shows peace and stability in the state that he had laboured for and which the Governor is building upon. He advised those who work closely with the Governor and the government that peddle fake news, to turn a new leaf and focus on good pieces of advice that would usher in positive ideas to advance the state and the government instead of generating negativity and propaganda that would cause rancor and division in the state.
In his remarks,Governor Diri decried the level of rumour mongering in the state just as urged all to exude love and respect to one another as brothers and sisters. According to the Governor, his visit became necessary in order to put an end the speculations about a rift between his predecessor and he himself. While he recalled how Senator Dickson was instrumental to his emergence as Governor of Bayelsa State, he pledged to continue to work with him to develop the state.
The Governor used the medium to appreciate the people of Bayelsa West for their massive support that saw his victory and his deputy during the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.
Dignitaries at the event are: Dr. Gloria Diri, Wife of the Governor, top government functionaries, Traditional Rulers of Tarairi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Clans, Elders and political stakeholders of Bayelsa West and Central Senatorial Districts among others.