Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has praised his predecessor, Seriake Dickson, saying the former governor does not act like a typical political godfather.
Diri was quoted as saying this in a statement issued by his spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, on Thursday.
The governor, according to the statement, made the remark in Toru-Orua, Dickson’s hometown in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, during his customary Christmas visit on Wednesday.
Diri said his relationship with Dickson remained cordial and unbroken.
He said that since leaving office in 2020, the former governor had been supportive and had not been authoritarian.
The governor said the unity between him and Dickson had contributed greatly to the peace and development of the state.
Dickson, who handed over power to Diri on February 14, 2020 after serving as Bayelsa governor for two terms, now represents Bayelsa West District in the Senate.
Governor Diri recalled their long-standing relationship from their days in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and as commissioners during the Goodluck Jonathan administration and expressed optimism that the bond would remain strong.
He expressed his gratitude to Senator Dickson for his role in his rise as his successor and also for his support in the state’s November 11 gubernatorial election.
The governor emphasized the need for unity among the leaders and people of the state, promising that his second term would be dedicated to taking Bayelsa to greater heights.
He said: “Today is another day of joy. Everyone remembers that in our first year we had some challenges.
“So, it was difficult for us to do anything significant that year. But as of 2021 we instituted this visit and it has continued.
“There can be nothing more refreshing than the fact that today we are alive and together.”
He said the story of successors and predecessors in Nigeria was well known but the story in Bayelsa was different.
“From the bottom of my heart I say thank you for tolerating and accepting me.
“This is the time when people want to play godfather, but you’re not doing it. We have worked together and have a lot in common and I am sure this should be an example.
“In politics, if you don’t tolerate and accept people, you won’t advance. Today we are happy because we all work together as one. We were united in the elections.
“Let me again take this opportunity to thank the people of Bayelsa. You have done well to maintain peace in our state. To all those we may have offended, please forgive us.” Governor Diri stated.
Dickson’s comments
In his remarks, Dickson praised Governor Diri for sustaining the visit since it began three years ago, calling it refreshing.
The senator said the visit was an example of brotherhood, love and peace and asked the people to imbibe a similar spirit of togetherness to take the state forward.
While congratulating the governor on his election victory, Dickson praised him for his accomplishments in office and expressed confidence that he would do more during his second term.
“Despite your busy schedule, you always find time to visit. This is the third time and we appreciate it.
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“With the consent of the leaders present here, on January 3, subject to your consent, we will visit you in Sampou.
“This visit is the first after his re-election. Although we visited him to congratulate him, it is still my duty to congratulate you and your competent MP on his resounding victory.
“Our state has progressed because of maturity and brotherhood and we are hopeful that the state will continue to be stable,” Dickson said.
He thanked the people of the state and all those who played a role in ensuring that the elections were credible and violence-free.
“I thank you all for coming. This tradition is good and I think it should continue even after the next four years,” Dickson said.
(YAYA)