Diri visits Dickson, dispels rumour of rift

Diri visits Dickson, dispels rumour of rift

By Jeffrey Agbo

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and his predecessor Seriake Dickson have urged politicians in the state to eschew bitterness and divisive tendencies.

Both leaders spoke on Monday during the Yuletide visit of Governor Diri and a large delegation, including his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to the country home of the former governor in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area.

The Bayelsa governor decried the level of rumour mongering in the state, noting that the visit would again put to rest speculations about rift between him and Dickson, whom he described as his boss.

Diri recalled how Dickson was instrumental to his emergence as governor and pledged to continue to work with him to develop the state.

He stressed that as sitting governor, he was not perfect and that both of them had come a long way and would sort out differences whenever they arise.

Diri said: “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.

“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 you have done is wrong.

“We remain one. Politics will come and go, but we will remain in this place. So, let us show brotherliness and love for each other not only by mouth but by our actions.”

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Diri appreciated the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District for their massive support that ensured he and his deputy were re-elected in the November 2023 governorship election, saying it was the first time he was meeting with a large gathering of leaders from the district after the poll.

On the clamour for appointment, the Bayelsa helmsman appealed for patience.

He explained that already the administration had over 5,000 appointees, which had shot up the state’s wage bill to almost N12 billion from about N6 billion he inherited following implementation of a new minimum wage of N80,000 for civil servants in the state.

He said: “For those who worked for us, please exercise patience. Our appointments have gone above 5,000. Our wage bill exposure is in the realm of N12 billion.”

Earlier, Senator Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, also stated that efforts by mischief makers to cause rancour between him and Diri had failed.

He promised to work with the governor in the interest of the state and its development.

“Initiating this visit, which he has done for some time, underscores the personal relationship and the relationship between our people and families. We expres our gratitude to him and his wife.

“We believe that this will dispel most of the negativities and allow us to continue without distractions. On our part, there is no problem. Our duty is to support him,” the former governor, who spoke in Izon language, said.

Dignitaries at the event included wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, wife of the former governor, Dr. Rachael Dickson, top government functionaries, traditional rulers of Tarakiri, Kolokuma and Opokuma clans, political stakeholders and elders from Bayelsa West and Central senatorial districts.