From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri has dispelled the rumour between him and his predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
Diri and Dickson therefore urged politicians in the state to eschew bitterness and divisive tendencies.
Diri who visited Dickson at his country home in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area was accompanied by a large delegation, including his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The Bayelsa governor decried the level of rumour-mongering in the state, noting that the visit would again put to rest speculations about a rift between him and Dickson, whom he described as his boss.
Diri recalled how Dickson was instrumental to his emergence as governor and pledged to continue to work with him to develop the state.
He 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 such arises.
Diri 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, the 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.”
Diri while appreciating 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, pleaded for patience for those clamouring for appointments.
He explained 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 the implementation of a new minimum wage of N80,000 for civil servants in the state.
Earlier, Senator 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.
“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.