BAYELSA: First and foremost, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the two distinguished leaders currently representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly: His Excellency, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson in the Senate, and the Rt. Hon. Fredrick Yeitiemone Agbedi in the House of Representatives.
These men have demonstrated commendable leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the issues affecting both our district and the nation at large. They have been vocal advocates for the interests of Bayelsa West, and I commend their service.
The purpose of this message is to address and dispel a widespread misconception that I am opposed to Senator Henry Seriake Dickson simply because I am currently working with Chief Fred Agbedi. This assumption is completely unfounded and misleading, particularly among constituents in Sagbama Local Government Area.
Let me state categorically that I hold no animosity toward Senator Dickson. In fact, Hon. Michael Magbisa can attest to the significant role I played in mobilizing support for Senator Dickson’s second term as Governor.
I led a major defection, bringing along a substantial number of supporters during a grand rally at the Sports Complex, an event remembered as one of the most successful and massive gatherings in his campaign, driven by my commitment to the Sagbama people and the vision of continuity.
Despite my unwavering efforts in promoting the party and fostering unity, especially during times of internal disputes such as the opposition to Hon. Bernard Kenebai’s candidacy, I received no political appointment or empowerment from the Dickson administration. Nevertheless, I remained a loyal party man, committed to the collective good.
However, I must clarify the rationale behind my stance during Senator Dickson’s senatorial re-election campaign in 2022.
My position was rooted in principle and the need to uphold equity. Senator Dickson had earlier made a public declaration that his senatorial bid was to complete the tenure of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Trusting in his words, I expected a fair zoning arrangement that would allow for rotational representation between Sagbama and Ekeremor. Historically, the people of Ekeremor have demonstrated loyalty and unity, and it was in this spirit of fairness that I advocated for the Ekeremor agenda when Senator Dickson re-contested after completing the said tenure.
My actions were not acts of betrayal or personal vendetta but a stand for equity, fairness, and accountability, values that should guide our political decisions. It is disheartening to be labeled a traitor simply because Senator Dickson and I hail from the same local government area. I ask: What has become of fairness, accountability, and justice in our political discourse?
I will continue to stand on the side of fairness and inclusiveness in Bayelsa West politics. My decision was never about personal disrespect, but about championing a cause for equitable political participation, irrespective of egos or affiliations.
Presently, both Hon. Fred Agbedi and Senator Seriake Dickson are performing admirably in their respective chambers of the National Assembly.
Rather than fueling division, we should be encouraging collaboration between these two experienced and capable leaders for the sake of human capital development. The unnecessary comparisons, often rooted in sentiment and bias, only breed division and stagnation.
It is clear from their legislative performance that both men are true voices of the Niger Delta. We should celebrate and support them as representatives of Bayelsa West, not pit them against each other. After all, Senator Dickson is a former governor who has contributed immensely to the state’s progress and can continue delivering.
Let me reiterate: I have deep respect and admiration for Senator Dickson. If I were to nominate a leader to carry the mantle left by our late patriarch, Pa E.K. Clark, I would choose Senator Dickson.
He has consistently demonstrated courage and advocacy for the Ijaw Nation, especially on the floor of the National Assembly.
Politics should not be seen as a battlefield of rivalry. Some seem to have forgotten that Hon. Fred Agbedi served as the Director General of Senator Dickson’s governorship campaigns on two separate occasions, 2012 and 2015, working tirelessly for his victory with 517,500, that is over 88 percent of the total votes cast in the 2012 election.
He also served as Party Chairman in 2005 and was later nominated to the House of Representatives during Senator Dickson’s tenure as Governor in 2014 after resigning from his position as Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters. Their long-standing collaboration reflects a shared commitment to our people, not a rivalry.
Regrettably, some supporters have allowed personal interests, misinformation, and sentiments to drive a wedge between these two leaders. Let it also be noted that Senator Dickson and Hon. Fred Agbedi are in-laws, Senator Dickson’s wife is the younger sister of Hon. Agbedi. This family bond should remind us of their shared values and history.
We must rise above the politics of hatred and disunity. Comparing the two or framing their work as a competition serves no purpose. What our region needs now is unity and a collective focus on development, especially in areas like education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, women and youth empowerment.
I urge the leaders, youths, women, and stakeholders of Bayelsa West to reject divisive politics. Let us instead foster a spirit of collaboration and unity, particularly between our current federal representatives.
The presence of other key leaders such as Minister of State for Petroleum Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, our Deputy Governor Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, NDDC representatives, Assembly members, local government chairmen, and commissioners provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to chart a course for sustainable development.
It is time we consolidate our political strength and align our agenda to attract impactful projects and meaningful change from the Prosperity Government. We must begin to think and act as a united Bayelsa West in preparation for the future, especially 2027.
In conclusion, I commend Hon. Fred Agbedi for his visible community projects and Senator Seriake Dickson for his transformative efforts in the education sector. Let us continue to celebrate their efforts and promote unity in politics for the sake of our future generations.
Together, we can achieve a prosperous and united Bayelsa West.
God Bless Bayelsa West!
God Bless Bayelsa State!
God Bless Nigeria!
