YENOGOA/Nigeria: The Ijaw Renaissance Network (IRN) has called on Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, to reflect on the outcome of the recent Edo State governorship election and cease disrespecting Senator Seriake Dickson, the man credited with making him governor against all odds.
In an open letter dated Monday, September 23, 2024, and signed by Chief Timi Samson and Comrade Joseph David, President and Secretary of the group respectively, the IRN urged Governor Diri to extend a sincere hand of fellowship to Senator Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District. The group stressed that such a move is necessary for the unity and development of the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta at large.
The group expressed concern that Governor Diri has surrounded himself with sycophants who fail to remind him of Dickson’s instrumental role in his political career. “Senator Dickson consistently appointed you to top government positions, including Deputy Chief of Staff, and supported your election as a Member of the House of Representatives and Senator,” the letter read. The group demanded an end to what they described as “betrayal, badmouthing, and treachery” against Senator Dickson, noting that the senator remains the most vocal advocate for the Niger Delta in the National Assembly.
The IRN drew a parallel between the recent election in Edo State, where PDP’s candidate lost despite strong backing from Governor Godwin Obaseki, and the political situation in Bayelsa. “In Edo, Dr. Asue lost the election despite his vast business contacts, while in Bayelsa, Diri could not afford the governorship ticket, and it was Senator Dickson who purchased the form for him. Yet, Diri now distances himself from those who made him governor,” the group stated.
The group criticized Governor Diri for calling himself the “miracle governor” while failing to acknowledge the efforts of those who contributed to his success. “The state university located in Dickson’s community has been largely neglected, with infrastructure remaining the same as when Dickson left office,” the IRN added. They also accused the governor of favoring family members and close allies from his local government, Kolojuma-Opokuma, in the allocation of contracts, sidelining others who supported him.
The IRN further condemned what they described as Governor Diri’s arrogance, betrayal, and lack of vision, warning that such behavior would have consequences. “You cannot jettison, humiliate, and blackmail those who brought you from political obscurity and expect karma not to take its course,” the group cautioned.
They recalled how, before the 2023 election, Governor Diri sought support from political leaders when it became clear that many Bayelsans were not in favor of his re-election. “You promised loyalty, but as soon as you secured victory, you revealed your true self. Senator Dickson, who fought against all odds to make you governor, was left behind. If not for Dickson, Bayelsa State would have been in turmoil like Rivers State,” the letter read.
The group also reminded Diri that his narrow re-election victory, with a margin of just 20,000 votes, was largely due to Senator Dickson’s mobilization of support, despite the governor’s perceived betrayal. “Without the intervention of APC elders in Bayelsa and at the federal level, your re-election would have been lost,” they added.
The IRN concluded by warning Governor Diri that his actions over the past four years have shown a lack of focus and direction. “You try to agree with everyone, but no one trusts you,” they said, urging the governor to realign his priorities and rebuild his relationship with Senator Dickson for the good of the Ijaw Nation.
