Who Says I’m Fighting With Ex-Gov Dickson, Diri Asks

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has debunked the insinuation in some quarters that he and his immediate past predecessor, Seriake Dickson, were engaged in a serious political disagreement.

Diri stated that there was no rift between him and Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West at the National Assembly.

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said that following the rise in political activities, some individuals and groups had engaged in spinning all manner of narratives based on their assumptions.

Diri labelled them as mischief makers whose intention was to create a perceived and imaginary wedge between him and Dickson as well as within their political family in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said he had always held his predecessors in high eesteem, particularly Dickson, who handed over the baton of leadership of the state to him, adding that those bent on hitting their heads together would fail.

Diri noted that one of his responsibilities as a leader and governor of Bayelsa was to engender peace and unify the people, stressing that it was the irreducible catalyst for good governance and development of the state.

He said he had “deliberately chosen to ignore such reckless but sponsored reports, largely on the social media space and online platforms.”

The governor further said, “Consistent with my character, temperament and governance ideals, I have restrained and directed my media aides from joining issues or responding to some of these spiteful reports.

“At every opportunity, I have unfailingly acknowledged and given due respect to my predecessors, in particular the man that handed the governance baton to me. It is, therefore, an exercise in futility for those trying to sow seeds of discord.

“For the benefit of the doubt, I have no rift with my immediate past predecessor. Our relationship remains cordial and mutually respectful.

“I, therefore, urge our people to ignore such reports and regard them as the handiwork of mischief makers that do not mean well for our state and its progress. My administration is on the course, remains focused and cannot be distracted regardless of how much our detractors try.”