Diri to Dickson: You’re My Boss

From the Bayelsa State governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, came some statements of humility to the man he calls his boss, Senator Seriake Dickson: the former governor should always feel free to call him to order whenever he thinks he may have gone out of track.

Diri said this when he paid a Christmas visit to Dickson in his village. He was accompanied on the visit by some top government, including his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and PDP chieftains. Both Diri and Dickson used the visit to erase the growing false speculations in the state about what they called a non-existent rift between them.

Diri recalled how Dickson was instrumental to his emergence as governor, and pledged to continue to work with him to develop the state and stressed that as sitting governor, he was not perfect and that both of them had come a long way and would sort out differences whenever they arise.

He said: “In the state’s political turf, there is too much bitterness and I believe this visit will reduce that. Anybody interested in political office should eschew bitterness. It is God that gives power but He uses men. As we all witnessed in this state, God used the immediate past governor to ensure that we took over from him.

“As governor, my decisions can never be perfect and might sometimes offend people, including you sir. But if you call me, I can explain and give the other side of it. Sometimes, government even reverses its decisions when you know that what you have done is wrong.

“We remain one. Politics will come and go, but we will remain in this place. So, let us show brotherliness and love for each other not only by mouth but by our actions.”

Heappreciated the people of Bayelsa West senatorial district for their massive support that ensured he and his deputy were re-elected in the November 2023 governorship election, saying it was the first time he was meeting with a large gathering of leaders from the district after the poll.

On the clamour for appointment, the Bayelsa helmsman appealed for patience, explaining that already the administration had over 5,000 appointees, which had shot up the state’s wage bill to almost N12 billion from about N6 billion he inherited, following implementation of a new minimum wage of N80,000 for civil servants in the state.

He said: “For those who worked for us, please exercise patience. Our appointments have gone above 5,000. Our wage bill exposure is in the realm of N12 billion.

Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, also stated that efforts by mischief makers to cause rancour between him and Diri had failed. He promised to work with the governor in the interest of the state and its development.

“Initiating this visit, which he has done for some time, underscores the personal relationship and the relationship between our people and families. We expres our gratitude to him and his wife.

“We believe that this will dispel most of the negativities and allow us to continue without distractions. On our part, there is no problem. Our duty is to support him,” the former governor, who spoke in Izon language, said.