From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Governor Douye Diri has denied a rift with his predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson. Diri, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabarah, accused some unnamed persons of trying hard to cause friction between himself and Senator Dickson.
He noted that he had chosen to ignore the plot of these individuals adding that his responsibility as the governor is to unify the people of the state and galvanise them toward development.
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The statement reads in part:
“In recent weeks, following the rise in political activities, some individuals and groups have engaged in spinning all manner of narratives, based on their own assumptions.
“It is discernible that their intention borders on mischief to create a perceived and imaginary wedge between me and my predecessor in office, Senator Seriake Dickson, on one hand, and within our political family in the Peoples Democratic Party, on the other.
“Deliberately, I chose to ignore such feckless but obviously sponsored reports, largely on the social media space and online platforms.
“Consistent with my character, temperament and governance ideals, I have restrained and directed my media aides from joining issues or responding to some of these spiteful reports.
“One of my responsibilities at the helm of leadership in Bayelsa State is to engender peace and to unify our people as the irreducible catalyst for good governance and development of our state.
“At every opportunity, I have unfailingly acknowledged and given due respect to my predecessors, in particular the man that handed the governance baton to me. It is therefore an exercise in futility for those trying to sow seeds of discord.
“For the benefit of the doubt, I have no rift with my immediate past predecessor. Our relationship remains cordial and mutually respectful.
“I, therefore, urge our people to ignore such reports and regard them as the handiwork of mischief-makers that do not mean well for our state and its progress. My administration is on the course, remains focused and cannot be distracted regardless of how much our detractors try.”
