Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, declaring that he will not follow Governor Douye Diri to the APC. The former Bayelsa Governor also backed Professor Joash Amupitan’s nomination as INEC Chairman, calling it a step toward integrity in Nigeria’s democracy. Read full details of his statement.
…. Former Bayelsa Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, breaks silence on Governor Diri’s defection to APC, vows to remain in PDP, and backs the nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman.
Amid the ongoing political realignment in Bayelsa State, former Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has declared that he will not follow Governor Douye Diri in leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Dickson reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the PDP, describing himself as a man guided by constancy, consistency, principle, and honour.
“I am not moving. I am still in the PDP. My life and values of constancy, consistency, principle, honour, and loyalty have not changed,” he said firmly.
Senator Dickson, who served as Bayelsa State Governor from 2012 to 2020, described Governor Diri’s defection as “a major political development,” but insisted that his commitment to the PDP remains unshaken.
He expressed disappointment that his “hand-picked successor” had chosen a different political path, noting that his support for Diri in 2019 was rooted in a desire to protect the ideals of the Ijaw Nation and sustain the PDP’s legacy in Bayelsa State.
“It is unfortunate that my successor sees things differently. The PDP gave our people the opportunity to produce a Vice President, an Acting President, and even a President. It remains the most inclusive platform for the Ijaw Nation and Nigerians at large,” Dickson stated.
The senator emphasized that although the PDP is currently facing challenges, true leaders must remain steadfast.
“Captains deserving of their rank are the last to bail out of a troubled ship. Any captain must do everything possible to salvage it. I believe that time has not come,” he added.
Senator Dickson also threw his weight behind the nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing his appointment as “a refreshing development” and a step toward institutional integrity.
“On the basis of the available evidence and facts, I will be voting to confirm or support the nomination of Professor Amupitan,” he declared.
He clarified that earlier concerns about the nominee’s political ties stemmed from a case of mistaken identity between Professor Amupitan of the University of Jos and Professor Osipitan of the University of Lagos, who had been part of President Tinubu’s legal team.
“As lawyers, they are duty-bound to accept briefs without being tied to any political party,” Dickson explained.
He further noted that appointing a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) as INEC Chairman for the first time in Nigeria’s history was a “significant milestone” that could restore public confidence in the electoral body.
“Being both a Professor and a Senior Advocate is significant. It gives the nominee a sense of responsibility to live up to his place in history and the judgment of posterity,” he said.
As Bayelsa adjusts to the new political reality, Senator Dickson urged PDP members and supporters to remain calm and peaceful.
“Even in the face of tough opposition and economic hardship, we built peace and stability in Bayelsa. I urge everyone not to undermine that,” he appealed.
He commended party officials who have remained faithful to the PDP, assuring them of his continued support and collaboration to rebuild the party as a credible opposition.
“I will consult with other leaders to begin the process of rebuilding the PDP as the opposition that we have suddenly become,” he concluded.
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