Bayelsa Deputy Gov., Other Loyalists dump Dickson pitch camp with Gov Diri

Political dynamism appears to have caught up with those plotting to stop Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for contesting for another term in office under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The political gang-up allegedly being led by the immediate past governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, might have ran into a ditch following the tactical withdrawal of key loyalists such as the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and member representing Yenagoa Constituency One in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Oforji Oboku from the plot.

Allegations are rife that Senator Dickson is behind series of recent sponsored media attacks against Governor Diri.

The Deputy Governor, who is believed to be the head of the Dickson’s men in the current Prosperity Administration has waved off the intense pressure from his former boss to stand firmly with his current boss, Governor Diri, saying that only one person can be Governor at a time.

Sources close to Ewhrudjakpo, revealed that the Deputy Governor had clearly told Dickson to count him out of the grand plot to stop the second term bid of Diri, insisting that he is very comfortable working with the Governor and that Diri deserves another term in office.

“I received this information from an authentic source of the over bearing influence of the former governor. In fact, Ewhrudjakpo is now trying to distance himself from Dickson. The Deputy Governor is under serious pressure to choose between the two leaders but at last, he has decided to work closely with Diri. But surely, Diri, must still be very careful”, the source stated.

The former governor is also believed to have lost the anticipated support of Hon. Oforji, whom Diri, handed the Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Hon. Oforji, who had made his decision to work for Diri long ago only last Saturday led key stakeholders and members of the PDP in Yenagoa Constituency One to publicly throw his weight behind the second term of the governor.

Sources at the well attended Yenagoa Constituency One Stakeholders meeting informed that they went ahead to pass of vote of confidence on Gov. Diri for his massive developmental agenda since he came into office in 2020.

“Oforji must have been shocked at the disposition of the governor to him. He had thought that Diri was going to deny him the PDP House of Representative ticket because of the stories that were flying round. He is so grateful to Diri for standing by him. Oforji today, has told people around him that Diri remains his leader and has no reason to join any evil plot to deny him another term in office as governor”, a source close to him informed.

The support towards the second term bid of Diri has been massive with the withdrawal of many who were earlier part of the gang-up.

“What they are saying in their camp is that Diri, is doing well as governor constructing roads, building schools, empowering young Bayelsans and so, they were at a loss as to why people are gathering within the PDP to fight him. They said they were no longer part of the plot and assured that they will mobilise support for his re-election”, the source stated.

Tife Owolabi
Journalist
Niger Delta
@tifeowolabi