Amidst fanfare, pageantry and endorsement from former president Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, on Tuesday declared his intention to contest the forthcoming primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and return for second term as governor of the state.
The Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State graced the occasion, while four other governors sent their deputies.
However, the occasion attracted mammoth crowd of supporters and high profile PDP dignitaries including the former, First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, whose entry drew a large jubilation from the crowd.
Jonathan, who was at the Samson Siasia Stadium, venue of the declaration, said though his decision to endorse the second bid of Governor Seriake Dickson has attracted some reactions through bulk SMS in circulation, the decision was based on the four-point conviction that Dickson has performed in the areas of prompt workers’ salary payment, proper management of state resources without recourse to borrowing, improved infrastructural development and road constructions.
“I have stayed in government for 16 years. I stayed with Dr. D.S.P Alameiseigha for six years and stayed in the presidency for another six years. And in all those years, I think I know much about what some state governors have done. I may not know all the state governors do. And I also may not known all they don’t do. And I know the pain of the people too. When he told me that he wanted to declare for second term, I said he should do it. As I said he should do it, some people were asking me questions through bulk SMS.”
“But I want to tell him that I would also be here when he is presented with the flag of the party. One of the things worrying the federal governments is the issues of workers money owed by states. Dickson has done well in that aspect.Also another issue is that of the borrowing. Dickson has done well. On infrastructures and development, Dickson has also tried.”
In his speech, the Ondo State Governor and the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Olusegun Mimiko, said the decision to call for the re-election was based on noticeable development trend in the state.
“When you have a governor that has lifted his people, there is need for him to return. Some people are Abuja-based giants and Newspaper giants in terms of politics. Dickson is a man of accomplishment.”
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