The Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commended his predecessor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for not acting as a godfather in the state.
Diri who spoke at the Yuletide season courtesy visit to Dickson at his country, Toru- Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area applauded Dickson for acting like a godfather that breathes down on his successor.
The governor who went down memory lane on the timeline of the relationship between him and Dickson from their days at the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and also at the State Executive during the tenure of Dr Goodluck Jonathan as governor stated that their relationship remains cordial and unbroken.
According to him since leaving office in 2020, the former governor has supported him and had not been overbearing.
Diri stated that the unity between himself and Dickson who now represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, has contributed greatly to the peace and development of the state expressed optimism that the bond will remain strong.
He seized the opportunity to again express 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.
“There can be nothing more refreshing than the fact that we are alive and together today. We all know the history of successors and predecessors in Nigeria but the story in Bayelsa is different.
“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.
“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.”
Senator Dickson in his remarks lauded Governor Diri for sustaining the visit since it was initiated three years ago, describing it as refreshing.
Dickson said the visit typifies brotherliness, love and peace and called on the people 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 will 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
“Let me use this opportunity to thank the good people of our state and everyone who played a role to ensure that the election was credible and violence-free.
