Bayelsa: Diri has the prerogative to pick his deputy

Says Ewhrudjakpo deserves to be immortalised

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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

Former governor of Bayelsa State and senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has declared that it is the prerogative of the Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, to pick his deputy.

Diri’s deputy from inception, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, died on December 11 and was buried at his country home in Ofoni Federated Communities on January 30.

A new deputy governor is expected to be announced by Diri after he has completed his period of mourning.

Dickson, who weighed in on the issue of a new deputy governor during a media chat to reminisce over the life and times of Ewhrudjakpo, whom he fondly called E‑Lawrenzi, said only the governor has the constitutional role to nominate a new deputy governor.

While reiterating his displeasure with what he referred to as the despicable behaviour of those who were jostling to be deputy governor shortly after Ewhrudjakpo’s demise, he advised that politicians interested in the position should not jump the gun.

According to him, when Diri completes his period of mourning, he would, in line with his prerogative, set machinery in motion to pick a new deputy.

Dickson further advised those who think he can pull some strings for them to concentrate their energy on lobbying the governor, as his role is only advisory if the governor decides to consult him in the process of his consultation with stakeholders.

“It is saddening to note that just when we heard that the deputy governor was dead, some people, without waiting for him to be mourned and buried, started lobbying to replace him. I was very displeased, and the governor was also not happy about it. Why must someone take delight in the death of another man?

“Don’t forget that you may be alive one minute, and the next minute you are gone. It is the prerogative of the governor to appoint a new deputy. But if, after consulting others, he feels I am one of those he should consult, then no problem. No politician should jump the gun to seek his or her appointment as replacement of the late deputy governor.”

Dickson seized the opportunity to thank Diri, the Bayelsa State Government, and others who joined to give Ewhrudjakpo a befitting farewell.

He disclosed that the board of Hensard University would meet very soon to deliberate on ways to immortalise Ewhrudjakpo for the values and principles he represented while alive.

Dickson also hinted that, in his view, the Bayelsa State Government would, in due course, come up with its own plan to immortalise the late deputy governor.