Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, has shown tremendous support for his administration.
Governor Diri, who stated this on Friday during a visit to Senator Dickson at his Toru-Orua country home in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, said he came to celebrate the season with a father-figure in the state.
He was accompanied by a high-powered delegation that included Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, other legislators, top government functionaries and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts.
His Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted Governor Diri as appreciating Senator Dickson for his foresight, which he said has produced key political office holders in the current political dispensation in the state.
He stressed that it was not out of place to ascribe to him the title of a father due to his numerous political victories.
He said God used his predecessor to enthrone his Prosperity Administration, noting that from the onset it never took for granted Dickson’s support.
His words: “We came to celebrate with our leader. When people call you our father, it is not misplaced because God has used you to give birth to a Governor. So, you are actually a father.
“We give the glory to God for all that has happened in this state. God always comes through somebody and Senator Dickson is the man that God used.”
Explaining why his administration opened its doors to even those seen as political foes, Governor Diri said it is only in unity and love that the state and its people can make real progress.
Speaking earlier, Senator Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West District in the Senate, thanked the governor and his entourage for visiting him in his country home.
He said Diri is not only his friend, brother and colleague but also an ally whose relationship is treasured beyond party lines.
While calling on people of the state to support the Diri administration, he advised those in the government to work together and with unity of purpose.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, acknowledged the dogged leadership role played by Senator Dickson towards bringing the present administration on board and thanked him for making the right choice in Governor Diri.
The Speaker promised to continue to support the relationship between both leaders even as he assured that as leader of the state legislature he will ensure the stability of the political atmosphere in the state.
