From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has declared that his predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has refused to act as godfather in the state giving the role he played in his emergence as governor.
Dickson as governor in 2019 had brushed aside stiff opposition within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and even stepped on toes of other close political associates to instal Diri as the party’s flag bearer in the November 2019 governorship election.
Diri speaking at Toru- Orua, Sgbama Local Government Area during the traditional Christmas visit to Dickson’s country home, admitted that the former governor does not act like a political godfather.
While noting that their relationship remains cordial and unbroken, he stated that since leaving office in 2020, the former governor has supported him and had not been overbearing.
His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that the unity between himself and the immediate past governor, who now represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, has contributed greatly to the peace and development of the state.
He recalled their long-standing relationship from their days in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and as commissioners during the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration in the state and expressed the optimism that the bond will remain strong.
Diri again expressed gratitude to Dickson for his role in his emergence as his successor and also for his support in the November 11 governorship election in the state.
“There can be nothing more refreshing than the fact that we are alive and together today. We all know the history of successors and predecessors in Nigeria but the story in Bayelsa is different.
“From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you for tolerating me and for accepting me. This is the time people want to play godfatherism but you are not doing that. We have worked together and shared a lot in common and I am sure this should be an example.
“In politics, if you do not tolerate and accept people, you will not move forward. Today we are happy because we all worked together as one. We went into the election united.
“Let me again seize this opportunity to thank the people of Bayelsa. You have done well to keep the peace in our state. To all those we might have offended, please forgive us,” Governor Diri stated.
Senator Dickson in his remarks lauded the governor for sustaining the visit since it was initiated three years ago, describing it as refreshing.
Dickson said the visit typifies brotherliness, love and peace and called on the people to imbibe a similar spirit of togetherness to move the state forward.
While congratulating Diri on his electoral victory, Dickson commended him for his achievements in office and expressed confidence that he will do more during his second tenure.
“Our state has made progress due to maturity and brotherliness and it is our hope that the state will continue to be stable
“Let me use this opportunity to thank the good people of our state and everyone who played a role to ensure that the election was credible and violence-free,” Dickson stated.