By Our Reporter
Senator Seriake Dickson has affirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amidst the stunning news of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s reported defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with key members of the state government and legislature.
In a press briefing earlier today, Senator Dickson emphasised his unwavering loyalty to the PDP and his long-standing commitment to the people of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation.
“I am not moving,” Senator Dickson stated firmly. “My life and values about constancy, consistency, principles, honour, and loyalty to people and causes have not changed. I am still in the PDP.”
Dickson expressed his disappointment at Governor Diri’s decision, especially considering the PDP’s significant role in Bayelsa’s history and its contribution to the Ijaw nation.
He highlighted his own efforts, especially since the 2015 presidential election, to maintain the PDP’s strength in Bayelsa and support the current administration.
“It is unfortunate that my hand-picked successor…sees things differently,” he said, lamenting the potential for Bayelsa, a state consistently aligned with the PDP since 1999, to be “donated to the APC free of charge.”
He acknowledged the challenges facing the PDP, blaming internal strife among governors and the National Working Committee for creating disunity.
However, he reiterated his belief in remaining steadfast during difficult times, drawing an analogy to a captain remaining with a troubled ship.
Dickson also confirmed that he had previously discussed the matter with Governor Diri and expressed his reservations about such a move.
In addition to addressing the political upheaval in Bayelsa, Senator Dickson also spoke on the President’s nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Dickson, a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, addressed concerns regarding Professor Amupitan’s alleged involvement in the President’s legal team during past election petitions.
After conducting inquiries, he stated, “I have been told that the nominee was not a member of the President’s legal team, and that the name is being confused with another professor — Professor Osipitan — also a Professor of Law.”
He further emphasised that, even if the nominee had provided legal services professionally, it should not automatically disqualify him.
He argued that “we should look beyond evidence of professional engagement or involvement and probe to discover partisan or political involvement.”
Dickson expressed his support for Professor Amupitan’s nomination, highlighting his professional standing as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Professor of Law at UNIJOS, calling his nomination “refreshing.”
He believes that Amupitan’s position as the first SAN appointed to the office will instill a sense of responsibility and encourage him to act with integrity, mindful of his legacy.
Senator Dickson urged the people of Bayelsa to remain calm and peaceful during this period of political transition.
He called on them to avoid violence and maintain the stability that has been fostered in the state over the past 15 years.
He commended those who have remained loyal to the PDP and pledged to work with other party leaders to reposition the party as a strong opposition force in Bayelsa.
“I will consult with other leaders of the party to begin the process of repositioning the PDP as the opposition that we have suddenly become,” Dickson affirmed.”
“Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s reported defection” This change adds “reported” because it’s still based on news reports.
“especially considering”.