Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The recent action of the former governor of Bayelsa state and current senator representing Bayelsa west senatorial district, where he mobilized Ijaw leaders from across the Ijaw nation to pay a courtesy call to the embattled governor of Rivers state, His Excellency, Similaye Fubara, has continued to receive widespread commendations.
This is coming after several prominent leaders in Rivers state and Niger Delta like HE Dr. Peter Odili and Chief E. K Clark, respectively and on different occasions threw their weight behind the current governor while calling for peace as well as the support of the entire state for governor Fubara.
The courtesy visit by the high power delegation led by HE, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has further strengthened the resolve of the region to promote peace and unity.
No better person than Dickson qualifies to lead this solidarity delegation, having midwifed a fierce political transition and emerged victorious. It is equally public notice that unlike the immediate past governor of Rivers State who equally midwifed a transition but in less than six months was immersed in a fierce conflict with his successor, Dickson on the other hand has maintained total support for his successor and even went ahead and contributed immensely to the success of Diri’s reelection into office.
It is equally common knowledge that Dickson has since distanced himself and avoided any form of interference in the affairs of government to the admiration of Bayelsans and leaders across the country.
Diri’s government without gainsaying, enjoys freedom and runs freely including making of appointments, awarding of contracts and have exercised liberty to relate freely with all and even those regarded as Dicksons political opponents.
Diri is never in and has never expressed the fact that his government is under any pressure or obligation imposed by Dickson. Rather what is observed is constant stocking of discord by those who stood to benefit from such of which they have continued to suffer disappointment.
Everyone knows that without the votes from Bayelsa West senatorial district, Diri’s chances of winning the 2023 governorship election were slim.
The feud between the Governor Fubara and his predecessor is costing the Rivers people and the entire Niger Delta and as such leaders of the region must come together to broker peace.
Fubara as governor of a state like Rivers, needs all the support he can gather as Bayelsa and Rivers state though split by geographical boundaries, remain one. Peace in one region affects the other and vice versa.
No wonder commendations have continued to come from all parts of the country applauding the move by Senator Dickson in mobilizing leaders from his state to show solidarity to the governor of their sister state.
Only those who have something to benefit from the feud or are afraid of the consequences of taking a stand for what is right, will either seek for means to distance themselves or condemn those who make efforts at brokering peace.
