Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has advocated consensus building, equitable distribution of political offices and regular consultation with stakeholders as well as the people as the factors that can stabilise the polity in the State.
This was the view of the Governor at a consultative meeting with leaders, chiefs and the people of Bayelsa Central and West Senatorial Districts at Government House in Yenagoa.
The Governor, who used the forum to perform the formal inauguration of the expanded Restoration caucuses for the two Senatorial Districts of the Peoples Democratic Party, also mandated the leaderships of the caucuses to bring all stakeholders on board and work collectively for the progress of the party at all levels.
He also warned the political class against names dropping, submitting that, it is not in line with democratic norms, as the rules of the game did not give room for names dropping, but consultation.
Governor Dickson stated that, the 2015 general elections are around the corner, advising those eyeing political offices to consult, as that will determine whether their candidacy will be accepted by the people or not.
He urged the caucus chairmen to put appropriate mechanism in place to reach out to more stakeholders as the caucuses will also serve as platforms for interaction with the people.
According to Governor Dickson, “I decided to increase the caucuses so as to bring in more players to stabilize and solidify the party as well as the polity to consolidate on the prevailing peace, law and order in the state.
“The existing peace is as a result of the all inclusive style of leadership we are providing to make sure that, every stakeholder is carried along in the scheme of things, which was lacking before my coming”
He advised politicians to play by the rules of the game, as it is their legitimate right to seek elective office, stating that, it should be done through consultation with the people.
Hon. Dickson also reminded the political class that, the era of using thuggery, intimidation and violence to win election in the state was over, warning that, such undemocratic methods will not only be resisted, but culprits will be brought to book.
He remarked “Power comes from GOD; any politician, who wants to seek any elective office, must pray to GOD, and consult the people, stating that, politics is a game of service delivery”.
He used the opportunity to throw more light on the level of work done on some major projects in the State, especially in the Bayelsa West Senatorial district, assuring that, sand filling of the Sagbama|Ekeremor road will be completed in January, 2015.
Responding on behalf of the chairmen of the restoration caucuses of the central senatorial district, the Southern Ijaw caucus chairman, Hon. Talford Ongolo, said the members were satisfied with Governor Dickson’s vast knowledge and association with key stakeholders in the area.
According to him, the people of Bayelsa Central endorsed the governor for a second term of office, because of what he called, his superlative performance, stating that Governor Dickson has taken governance to a higher level, as evidenced in the numerous developmental projects and initiatives.
Also speaking, on behalf of the Bayelsa West Caucus chairmen, Chief Thompson Okorotie, who is also the chairman of the Ekeremor caucus, described Governor Dickson as a special gift to the state, noting that, as Governor, he has performed beyond the expectation of the people and deserves a second tenure in office to fully implement his restoration agenda for the State.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State