Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, have urged politicians in the state to eschew bitterness and divisive tendencies. As contained in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Diri, Daniel Alabrah, both leaders spoke on Monday during the Yuletide visit of Governor Diri and a large delegation to the country home of the former governor in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area.

Daniel Alabrah noted that Governor Diri decried the level of rumour mongering in the state, emphasizing that the visit would again put to rest speculations about a rift between him and Dickson, whom he described as his boss. Governor Diri acknowledged Dickson’s instrumental role in his emergence as governor and pledged to continue working with him to develop the state. As Daniel Alabrah reported, Governor Diri stated, “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.”

Daniel Alabrah further reported that Governor Diri appreciated the people of Bayelsa West senatorial district for their massive support in the November 2023 governorship election. The governor appealed for patience regarding the clamour for appointments, citing the administration’s already high number of appointees, which had increased the state’s wage bill to almost N12 billion.

Senator Dickson, as reported by Daniel Alabrah, also spoke at the event, stating that efforts by mischief makers to cause rancour between him and Governor Diri had failed. He promised to work with the governor in the interest of the state and its development. The event was attended by dignitaries, including the wives of the governor and former governor, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders from Bayelsa West and Central senatorial districts.