THE Niger-Delta Renaissance Network has frowned at the unfounded propaganda and misinformation on the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, interfering in the adminstration of his successor, Governor Douye Diri, as completely untrue.
“We are shocked about a television programme where a commentator, one Chuks Akunna, was making insinuations about Senator Dickson interfering in the running of Bayelsa State. We refute these allegations as untrue because we have been following the efforts of Senator Dickson in sustaining peace in Bayelsa, and the restraint and tolerance he has shown over the years, which has been applauded by all”, Comrade Gabriel Aniete, spokesman of the group, said in response to the television commentator, whom he insisted, ‘made a false, clearly malicious, and unverified claims’.
“Sen. Dickson gained our attention with the unique management of the transition in Bayelsa which many politicians are recommending for other States to avoid the situation in Rivers State, and other such States,” Comrade Aniete said.
“If the commentator had taken the pains to inquire about the true state of affairs in Bayelsa, he would have found out about the laudable Bayelsa transition, which continues to draw commendations as the model for relationships between Governors and their predecessors.
“To re-affirm our position, only last December, Governor Diri affirmed that the relationship he has with Senator Dickson is unique and could not be broken. Many newspapers reported the statement. Some examples will suffice:
*Dickson doesn’t play godfatherism, says Bayelsa governor*
The Punch, 28th December 2023
By Daniels Igoni
Senator Dickson introducing royal fathers to Governor Diri during the visit.
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has revealed that his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, does not act like a political godfather.
Diri commended the exemplary disposition of the former governor and described their relationship as cordial and unbroken.
He spoke at Toru-Orua, Dickson’s hometown in the Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, during his Christmas visit on Wednesday, according to a press release issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, on Thursday.
Diri said since leaving office in 2020, the former governor, who now represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, had supported him and had not been overbearing, stressing that the unity between them had contributed greatly to the peace and development of the state.
He again expressed gratitude to Dickson for his role in his emergence as his successor and also for his support in the November 11 governorship election in the state.
“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.”
Other publications also reported the story with similar headlines.
*You’re not playing godfatherism — Diri praises Seriake Dickson for his support*
TheCable
BY JESUPEMI ARE
DECEMBER 28, 2023 6:39 PM
*My predecessor not overbearing, not meddlesome – Gov Diri*
“This is the time people want to play godfatherism, but you are not doing that.”By Agency Report
Premium Times, December 28, 2023
*Dickson does not play godfather in Bayelsa – Diri*
The Sun, 28th December 2023
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
“We also urge Governor Diri to continue to disregard the machinations of fifth columnists whose only stock in trade is to foment trouble for profit”.
“Senator Dickson is a peaceful man whose maturity, tolerance, and large-heartedness sustain stability in Bayelsa State. He has never missed an opportunity to engage stakeholders in processes to produce peace in the larger Niger Delta Region,” Comrade Aniete said.
The Niger-Delta Renaissance Network, according to Comrade Aniete, had concluded plans to honour Senator Dickson for his many interventions in the South South as a private citizen, politician, Governor, and Senator.
He urged all Bayelsans and Nigerians to ignore all such propaganda deliberately sponsored to malign Senator Dickson and distort the facts, as they are the work of mercenaries and fifth columnists who want to profit from creating a crisis. “We are sure that Governor Diri, who speaks so glowingly about Senator Dickson is not aware of these schemes,” Comrade Aniete said.
Rivers Crisis: Niger Delta group hails Sen Dickson’s exemplary leadership