Gov Diri, Senator Dickson Dispel Speculated Disagreements

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has strongly rejected suggestions of any possible rift with his predecessor in office, Senator Seriake Dickson.

This is even as he pledged to collaborate with his immediate predecessor ,as well as other stakeholders to develop the state .

A statement issued on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, by Daniel Alabrah, his media aide, quoted Governor Diri as decrying the high level of rumour mongering in the State.

The Bayelsa State Governor who spoke when he led some officials of the Bayelsa State Government on a  Christmas visit to Senator Dickson at his country home in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Council insisted that he has so far maintained a robust relationship with his immediate predecessor in office.

He expressed the hope that the visit will not only put to rest the speculated  misunderstanding with the former Governor, but also shame detractors.

Governor Diri, while cautioning against unfounded rumours and wild speculations, emphasized the need for political actors at all levels to shun bitterness and divisive politics.

The State Governor who was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and some Commissioners, assured that much as he is not claiming to be perfect, he nevertheless has the capacity to sort out any differences with members of his political family .

According to him, the two of them have come a long way, and as such can also resolve any differences whenever they arise.

“As Governor, my decisions can never be perfect and might sometimes offend people, including you, Sir.

“But if you call me, I can explain and give the other side of it.

“Sometimes, Government even reverses its decisions when you know that what have been done is wrong.

“In the State’s political turf, there is too much bitterness, and I believe this visit will reduce that .

“Anybody interested in political office should eschew bitterness. It is God that gives power but He uses men. As we all witnessed in this state, God used the immediate past Governor to ensure that we took over from him”, Governor Diri noted .

Responding, former Governor Dickson, while appreciating his successor, for initiating the visit, also expressed the optimism that it would help to dispel all the negative narratives surrounding their relationship.

Senator Dickson assured that he, alongside his people will continue to support the Governor in the overall interests of the state.

Dickson, who represents the Bayelsa West Senatorial District noted the failure  of  efforts by some mischief makers to cause unnecessary rancour between him and his successor in office.