Bayelsa West Senatorial Bye-Election: Ijaw Need Strong Voice, Says Dickson

…..I’ll Serve Only Remaining Sagbama Years
…..Ebebi Instigated To Create Discord On Zoning

Former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson has revealed that his decision to contest the October 31 Bayelsa West Senatorial bye-election is informed by an agreement reached by critical stakeholders of the political class in Sagbama-Ekeremor last year prior to the National Assembly election.

The former governor made this revelation today when he played host to Community Development Committee Chairmen and Youth Presidents from Ekeremor Local Government Area today at his country home in Toru-Orua.

According to Dickson, he was persuaded to run for the Senate upon completion of his second tenure as governor at the said meeting, which Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi also attended alongside Chief T. K. Okorotie, Hon. Robinson Etolor, and Chief Fred Agbedi among others on the side of Ekeremor.

Chief Dickson allayed the fear expressed in some quarters that he would hold onto the Senate seat beyond the about two years period left for Sagbama Local Government Area, following Senator Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo’s exit to run as running mate to Governor Douye Diri, after which Ekeremor is expected to produce the next Senator in line with the zoning arrangement.

“I am a proponent of zoning in our Senatorial District. That’s why when Rt. Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri attempted to go to the Senate for a third term, we collectively stood against it to maintain the arrangement; and I won’t be the one to distort it nor create division among our people”, Dickson said.

While appreciating the Chiefs, political and community leaders from Ekeremor for their resolve to sustain the zoning, the former governor expressed sadness that Rt. Hon. Ebebi became “a willing tool in the hands of envious politicians from other Senatorial District who maintain zoning in their area but are bent on creating discord among brothers”

“I have immense confidence in the people of Ekeremor to express their displeasure over this misguided attempt at the polls by voting massively for the People’s Democratic Party”

On his part, the Executive Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government, Chief (Hon.) Bertola Perekeme, PhD told newsmen that the PDP remains unstoppable come October 31.

Speaking on behalf of other CDC Chairmen, Mr. Fiemotongha Otima who is the Ekeremor Local Government Area CDC Chairmen’s Forum said as a people, they will mobilize themselves towards sustaining the zoning arrangement in the best interest of the sister LGAs