‘You’re not playing godfatherism’ — Diri praises Seriake Dickson for his support

Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, has commended Seriake Dickson, his predecessor, for not playing “godfatherism” in the politics of the state.

According to a statement on Thursday by Daniel Alabrah, spokesperson to the governor, Diri spoke at Toru-Orua, Dickson’s hometown in Sagbama LGA of the state, during a Christmas visit.

He said since leaving office in 2020, the former governor had supported him and had not been overbearing.

The governor said the cordial relationship between him and Dickson had contributed greatly to the peace and development of the state.

Diri thanked Dickson for his support in ensuring that he became the governor of Bayelsa and also in winning the November 11 off-cycle election.

“Today is another day for merriment. You all remember in our first year, we had some challenges,” Diri said.

“So, it was difficult for us to do anything meaningful that year. But from 2021, we instituted this visit and it has continued.

“There can be nothing more refreshing than the fact that we are alive and together today.”

He said the history of successors and predecessors in Nigeria is well known, noting that the story in Bayelsa is different.

“From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you for tolerating me and for accepting me,” the governor added.

“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.

“In politics, if you do not tolerate and accept people, you will not move forward. Today we are happy because we all worked together as one. We went into the election united.

“Let me again seize this opportunity to thank the people of Bayelsa. You have done well to keep the peace in our state. To all those we might have offended, please forgive us.”

In his remarks, Dickson praised Diri for sustaining the visit since it was initiated three years ago, describing it as refreshing.

Dickson said the visit was a show of brotherliness, love and peace and called on the people of Bayelsa to imbibe a similar spirit of togetherness to move the state forward.

While congratulating Diri on his electoral victory, Dickson commended him for his achievements in office and expressed confidence that he would do more during his second tenure.

“Our state has made progress due to maturity and brotherliness and it is our hope that the state will continue to be stable,” he said.