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Recent action of erstwhile Governor of Bayelsa state and Senator representing the state’s Western Senatorial district, Henry Seriake Dickson in which he mobilized Ijaw leaders from across the nation to pay a courtesy call to the embattled Governor of Rivers state, Siminalaye Fubara, has continued to receive widespread applause.
This, National Wire learnt was coming after several prominent leaders in the embattled Governor’s state, Rivers and the Niger Delta, including former Governor of the state, Dr. Peter Odili, and foremost Pan-Niger Delta leader, Chief E. K Clark, respectively had on different occasions threw their weight behind Governor Fubara while calling for peace as well as the support of the entire state for the Governor.
The courtesy visit by the high power delegation led by Senator Dickson, has further strengthened the resolve of the region to promote peace and unity.
No better person than Dickson qualifies to lead this solidarity delegation, having mid-wifed a fierce political transition and emerged victoriously.
It is equally of public notice that unlike the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Wike who equally mid-wifed a transition but in less than six months was immersed in fierce conflict with his successor, Senator Dickson on the other hand has maintained total support for his successor, Senator Douye Diri and even went ahead to contribute immensely to the success of Governor Diri’s reelection into office.
It is equally common knowledge that Dickson has since distanced himself and avoided any form of interference in the affairs of government to the admiration of Bayelsans and leaders across the country.
Diri’s government without gainsaying, enjoys freedom and runs freely, including making of appointments, awarding of contracts and have exercised liberty to relate freely with all and even those regarded as Dickson’s political opponents.
Diri is never in and has never expressed the fact that his government is under any pressure or obligation imposed by Dickson. What is observed rather is constant stocking of discord by those who stood to benefit from such of which they have continued to suffer disappointment.
Everyone knows that without the votes from Bayelsa West senatorial district, Diri’s chances of winning the 2023 governorship election were slim.
The feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor is costing the Rivers people and the entire Niger Delta too much, and as such leaders of the region must come together to broker peace.
Fubara as governor of a state as economically and socially viable like Rivers, needs all the support he can gather as Bayelsa and Rivers state though split by geographical boundaries, remain one. Peace in one region affects the other and vice versa.
No wonder commendations have continued to come from all parts of the country applauding the move by Senator Dickson in mobilizing leaders from his state to show solidarity to the governor of their sister state.
Only those who have something to benefit from the feud or are afraid of the consequences of taking a stand for what is right, will either seek for means to distance themselves or condemn those who make efforts at brokering peace.
By Awara C. Okubo
