Afrigather The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has revealed that his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, doesn’t act like a political godfather.
Diri recommended the exemplary disposition of the previous governor and described their relationship as cordial and unbroken.
He spoke at Toru-Orua, Dickson’s hometown within the Sagbama Native Authorities Space of the state, throughout his Christmas go to on Wednesday, in response to a press launch issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, on Thursday.
Diri succeeded Dickson as governor of Bayelsa State in 2020 after the Supreme Courtroom sacked David Lyon, the declared winner of the governorship ballot.
Diri mentioned since leaving workplace in 2020, the previous governor, who now represents Bayelsa West within the Senate, had supported him and had not been overbearing, stressing that the unity between them had contributed significantly to the peace and growth of the state.
The governor recalled their long-standing relationship from their days within the Ijaw Nationwide Congress and as commissioners through the Dr Goodluck Jonathan administration within the state, and expressed optimism that the bond would stay robust.
He once more expressed gratitude to Dickson for his position in his emergence as his successor and likewise for his help within the November 11 governorship election within the state.
He additionally burdened the necessity for unity amongst leaders and the individuals of the state whereas assuring them that his second tenure will probably be devoted to transferring the state to higher heights.
Diri mentioned, “Right this moment is one other day for merriment. You all keep in mind in our first 12 months, we had some challenges. So it was troublesome for us to do something significant that 12 months.
“However from 2021, we instituted this go to and it has continued. There could be nothing extra refreshing than the truth that we’re alive and collectively at the moment. Everyone knows the historical past of successors and predecessors in Nigeria however the story in Bayelsa is totally different.
“From the underside of my coronary heart, I say thanks for tolerating me and for accepting me. That is the time individuals need to play godfatherism however you aren’t doing that. Now we have labored collectively and shared loads in frequent and I’m positive this must be an instance.
“In politics, if you don’t tolerate and settle for individuals, you’ll not transfer ahead. Right this moment we’re pleased as a result of all of us labored collectively as one. We went into the election united. Let me once more seize this chance to thank the individuals of Bayelsa. You’ve gotten carried out properly to maintain the peace in our state. To all these we’d have offended, please forgive us.”
In his remarks, the previous governor applauded Diri for sustaining the go to because it was initiated three years in the past, describing it as refreshing.
Dickson mentioned the go to was indicative of brotherliness, love, and peace and referred to as on the individuals to imbibe the same spirit of togetherness to maneuver the state ahead.
Whereas congratulating Diri on his electoral victory, the senator recommended him for his achievements in workplace and expressed confidence that he’ll do extra throughout his second tenure.
He mentioned, “Despite your tight schedule, you at all times discover time to go to. That is the third time and we recognize it. With the consent of the leaders right here, on January 3, topic to your consent, we are going to go to you in Sampou.
“This go to is the primary after your re-election. Though we had visited to congratulate you, it’s nonetheless my responsibility to congratulate you and your ready deputy in your resounding victory. Our state has made progress as a consequence of maturity and brotherliness and it’s our hope that the state will proceed to be steady.
“Let me use this chance to thank the nice individuals of our state and everybody who performed a job in guaranteeing that the election was credible and violence-free. I thanks all for coming. This custom is sweet and I imagine it ought to go on even after your subsequent 4 years.”
