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Bayelsa group, WAD Progressive Grassroots Vanguard has issued a strong response to a press statement allegedly released by the EKELGA Movement for Political Fairness, regarding the upcoming 2027 National Assembly elections in Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
National Wire reports that the group in a statement signed by a former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Wilson Ayakpo Dauyegha, described the EKELGA’s Movement position as misleading and divisive.
The WAD Progressive Grassroots Vanguard further noted that the Movement’s statement appears to have been made in bad faith and is potentially aimed at inciting discord between the people of Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government Areas.
The Vanguard emphasized the long-standing peaceful coexistence between the two local government areas, saying it predates the creation of Bayelsa State, just as it criticized the focus on zoning arrangements in the political discourse.
WAD argued that zoning were undemocratic and hinder progress, maintaining that zoning encourages political mediocrity, undermines community development, and can be manipulated to justify electoral malpractice.
“Political representation should not be determined by rotation but by merit, integrity, and a commitment to development”, WAD said.
According to the group, their statement counter statement highlights the importance of unity within the Bayelsa West Senatorial District, calling on the people to prioritize the emergence of visionary and competent leaders who would bring real development to the region.
“The current political focus should be on electing individuals who demonstrate strong character, intelligence, and performance rather than adhering to zoning principles.
“We want to praise Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the current Senator representing the Bayelsa West Senatorial District. He is the most effective and impactful senator the region has produced.
“Senator Dickson’s consistent advocacy on national matters, especially those concerning the Ijaw Nation, are evidences of his commitment and leadership”, WAD added.
The Senatorial group also applauded the former Bayelsa State Governor(now Senator) Dickson, for his investments in education and human capital development, saying his ongoing efforts in awarding educational support grants to students beyond the borders of Bayelsa West were highlighted as a testament to his dedication to youth empowerment and educational advancement.
The Vanguard also credited him for initiating the construction of the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road during his tenure as governor.
“The Sagbama-Ekeremor road now enjoyed by the Ekeremor people is significant infrastructure achievement that has enhanced connectivity and development in the region.
“Dickson has a track record in various leadership positions, including his roles as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa State, Member of the House of Representatives, Governor, and now Senator. He’s most qualified to represent the Bayelsa-West Senatorial District in the Senate, come 2027.
“His experience and transparency makes him a suitable candidate for re-election in 2027.
“Senator Dickson’s contributions in the National Assembly are bold and constructive. His role as a bridge-builder between different communities is well acknowledged.
“We calle on the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District to rally behind Senator Dickson should he choose to seek re-election”, WAD reiterated.
The Vanguard urged the people of the Senatorial zone to disregard the press statement purportedly issued by the EKELGA Movement for sake of Political Fairness, describing it as an attempt to create unrest and mislead the public.
The WAD Progressive Grassroot Vanguard further insisted that the statement was not in the best interest of the district and should be treated as politically motivated provocation.
Meanwhile, the WAD Progressive Grassroots Vanguard has appealed to governor of the state, Senator Douye Diri to take disciplinary action against members of the EKELGA Movement who are currently serving as political appointees or academic staff in state-owned institutions.
The group claimed these individuals were using their positions to fuel division and political tension in Bayelsa West, opining that academic staff members who are interested in politics should step down from their positions and join the political arena openly, rather than using their roles to stir disaffection among the people.
“We want to reiterate our support for Senator Dickson. We call on the people of Sagbama and Ekeremor to maintain unity, focus on quality representation, and collectively work toward the development of the Bayelsa West Senatorial District”, the group noted.
