By Akpos Oghenetega,
A political pressure group, the Ijaw Renaissance Network (IRN), has urged Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri, to draw lessons from the recent Edo State governorship election. They advised him to cease disrespecting Senator Seriaki Dickson, the former governor of Bayelsa, who was pivotal in his rise to power against considerable odds.
In an open letter dated September 23, 2024, and signed by Chief Timi Samson and Comrade Joseph David, the President and Secretary of IRN, the group emphasized the importance of Diri rekindling his alliance with Senator Dickson. They noted that a renewed relationship would not only benefit Bayelsa but also advance the broader interests of the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta.
The group expressed concern over the governor's closeness to individuals they labeled as "sycophants," urging him to recall the significant role Dickson played in his political ascent. They pointed out that it was Dickson who consistently appointed Diri to prominent positions, including Deputy Chief of Staff, and later backed him for both House of Representatives and Senate seats.
"We demand an end to the ongoing betrayal, slander, and treachery against Senator Dickson, who remains one of the most vocal advocates for the Niger Delta on the Senate floor. It is time to restore the once-cordial relationship that led Dickson to choose Diri for leadership roles over other potential candidates," the group stressed.
Drawing parallels between the situation in Bayelsa and Edo, the group noted that despite Governor Godwin Obaseki’s full support for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Edo, the well-connected billionaire Dr. Asue lost the election. They warned that sycophancy could similarly harm Governor Diri if he does not reevaluate his alliance.
“Reverse is the case in Bayelsa as Diri could not afford the ticket, which prompted the former governor to purchase the governorship form for Diri, when he did not have the resources for it.
"Sadly, Diri is now seen as the combined Ganduje of Bayelsa and Godwin Obaseki of Bayelsa, as he has abandoned and betrayed everyone that made him governor.
"Today, he gleefully calls himself the miracle governor, but deliberately forgets to acknowledge the miracle worker; and those who were part of the miracle working team!
"The state university located in Dickson's community has been largely ignored as all infrastructure in the campus remain the way Dickson left it.
"Yet Diri ensures that only his family members and rumour mongers from his Kolojuma - Opokuma local government area, were he struggled to win with a slim margin, are those he listens to, and that are benefiting with juicy contracts", the group added.
They further noted that, “It is not honourable for the oldest governor that has ruled Bayelsa to be seen as deceit, betrayal, arrogance and greed; and lacking in any iota of vision that leaders are associated with.
"You cannot jettison, humiliate, blackmail and rubbish those that brought you from political oblivion soon as you get what you want from them and expect karma not to play its role in due time.
“We were aware that before reelection, you ran to leaders, when you realized that Bayelsans were not for your coming back, you promised and pretended to be a loyal son. But soon after the election you unveiled your true self.
“The whole country knows how the former governor, now the Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial district, fought everyone and abandoned more qualified people to make you governor.
“Soon as you became governor you turned your back and have been playing your usual card of blackmail, bad mouthing and betrayal to the surprise of all. But for Dickson's kind of politician, Bayelsa State would have been in turmoil like what is obtainable in Rivers. State.
"Do not forget so soon also that even without the APC elders in Bayelsa and at the Federal level, you almost lost your re-election, as you won with only 20, 000 votes; also thanks to Senator Dickson, who came in and mobilized needed supports despite you betrayal.
“Enough of serial betrayal. Your activities in the last four years proves that you have no focus and direction; you go everywhere and agree with everybody and no one trusts you”, they warned.
