Senator Douye Diri, as Bayelsa State’s Governor, expresses admiration for Senator Seriake Dickson’s principled character, specifically noting the absence of political godfather tendencies in the former governor.
Governor Diri, addressing the community of Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area during his annual Christmas visit, notes that Senator Dickson, who left office in 2020, has backed him without exerting undue influence.
Additionally, Governor Diri affirms that their relationship remains cordial and unbroken.
The governor, through a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Thursday, recognizes that the solidarity between him and the former governor, currently representing Bayelsa West in the Senate, has been instrumental in the state’s peace and development.
Governor Diri reminisces about their longstanding association, tracing it back to their time in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and as commissioners during the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration, and expresses optimism that this enduring bond will remain robust.
Governor Diri reiterated his thanks to Dickson, expressing gratitude for the former governor’s instrumental role in Diri’s assumption of office and acknowledging the support extended during the November 11 governorship election.
Underscoring the need for unity among leaders and the state’s residents, he provides assurance that his second term will be dedicated to steering Bayelsa towards greater accomplishments.
‘Today is another day for merriment. You all remember in our first year, we had some challenges. So it was difficult for us to do anything meaningful that year. But from 2021, we instituted this visit and it has continued.’
‘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.’
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‘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,’ Diri said.
In his remarks, Senator Dickson lauded Diri for sustaining the visit since it was initiated three years ago, describing it as refreshing.
Describing the visit as an embodiment of brotherly bonds, love, and peace, he encourages the people to adopt a comparable sense of togetherness to propel the state forward.
Congratulating Diri on his electoral victory, Dickson commends the governor for his achievements in office and expresses a belief in his potential for even greater accomplishments during his second term.
His words, ‘Inspite of your tight schedule, you always find time to visit. This is the third time and we appreciate it. With the consent of the leaders here, on January 3, subject to your consent, we will visit you in Sampou.’
‘This visit is the first after your re-election. Although we had visited to congratulate you, I still must congratulate you and your able deputy on your resounding victory.’
‘Our state has made progress due to maturity and brotherliness and we 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 in ensuring that the election was credible and violence-free.’
‘I thank you all for coming. This tradition is good and I believe it should go on even after your next four years.’