2023 Elections:Group accuse former Governor of hijacking political process in Bayelsa

As flurry of political activities gathered momentum in Bayelsa State, a sociopolitical group who believed in tenets of true democracy and fairness under the aegis of Apostles of Good Governance (AGG) has accused the former Governor of the State, Sen. Seriake Dickson for hijacking the entire political process in the State.

The group however described his actions as trying to spite the office of the incumbent governor, Sen.Douye Diri of having no say in the political process of the State.

In a press statement issued in Yenagoa over the weekend and made available to newsmen and was signed by the group coordinator , Mr.Kimiowei Phillips and Secretary Miss. Gladys Okiya respectively, frowned at the way and manner the Electoral process of the State has been hijacked by one man who had no new ideas to offer.

The statement said,” Our attention has been drawn to the clandestine moves by some politicians especially the immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, HE Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson to continue to control the political activities in the state inspite of the fact that this administration is being controlled by the able leadership of the Prosperity and Miracle Governor, Sen. Douye Diri,”.

The statement further stated that” We as a group, under the aegis of Apostles of Good Governance (AGG), are aware of Sen. Dickson’s plans to control 60% of the next dispensation’s political offices especially the Legislature which is one powerful arms of government. This has come to the fore as Dickson has directed that all ‘first timers’ in the State House of Assembly be allowed to return for second tenure.

His words”From our records the first time members in the State House of Assembly are 12 in numbers and all or most of them are HE Sen. Dickson’s cronies. If this is allowed to happen, it therefore means that Dickson’s control of 60% the Legislature will be actualized and this will pose a potential danger to the Prosperity Government which will be at the mercy of HE Sen. Dickson who can mastermind the impeachment of Gov. Diri at anytime.

“We are therefore calling on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State to sell the expression of interest and nomination forms to all those who are willing to participate in the elections especially the Youths and to ensure a level playing field for all participants and not dance to the tune of or be tele-guided by any particular self acclaimed powerful politician,”.

According to the statement, it urged the Prosperity Government of Sen. Douye Diri, to rise up to the occasion and stand his ground as it’s foresee a plot to destabilize the Prosperity Government going into 2023 General elections .