Senator Dickson urges calm, vows to uphold peace in Bayelsa amid political transition

Former Bayelsa State Governor and serving Senator, Henry Seriake Dickson, has called for calm and maturity in Bayelsa politics as the state braces for heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Senator Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, while addressing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, appealed to political actors and citizens to prioritise peace.

Dickson also warned against actions that could destabilise the state’s long-standing security and unity.

“I use this opportunity to call on all in Bayelsa to be calm and go about the politicking that will unfold from now till the 2027 elections peacefully,” the former governor said.

He further emphasised his administration’s achievements in pulling Bayelsa away from the grip of criminality, despite immense economic and political challenges during his tenure.

According to him, “Even in the face of a crippling recession and an unprecedented federally backed opposition subversion, I did a lot to build peace and stability, and to take the state away from criminality and violence.

“And this Governor, to his credit, is also building on that foundation, ” he added.

The former governor, widely known for his strong-handed reforms in governance and security during his time in office from 2012 to 2020, stressed the need to safeguard the state’s stability regardless of changing political tides.

“I enjoin all not to hide under the politicking that this will generate to undermine the peace that we have secured in Bayelsa for over 15 years, ” he said.

Addressing the role of political leaders post-office, Senator Dickson distanced himself from the controversial tradition of political godfatherism, asserting that his silence and non-interference since leaving office has allowed Bayelsa politics to mature.

His words “Since leaving government, I have not made any comment, nor have I behaved as a godfather putting pressure or even making demands or interfering and this has brought us thus far, showing maturity and tolerance.

“I assure everyone in Bayelsa that I will continue to do that, even in this situation moving forward, ” he further added.

Following recent developments that have positioned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the opposition in Bayelsa, Senator Dickson reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and its supporters.

He also pledged to work with stakeholders to reposition the PDP for the future.

“I commend the loyalty and steadfastness of all officials and leaders in the state who have decided to keep faith with the PDP in this trying time.

“I also commend the abiding loyalty of the people who, we know, constitute the organic membership and strength that the PDP has always enjoyed.

“I will consult with other leaders of the party to begin the process of repositioning the PDP as the opposition that we have suddenly become, ” he said.

Dickson’s remarks come at a time of political recalibration across several states, with national implications for Nigeria’s two major parties the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His call for calm, political tolerance, and party reorganisation is being interpreted by analysts as a move to maintain stability in Bayelsa while preparing for a more strategic opposition presence nationally ahead of the 2027 polls.