Former National Spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and National Leader of the Niger Delta Advocacy Group, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, has called on the youth and people of Bayelsa West to support Senator Henry Seriake Dickson as the senatorial district approaches a crucial political decision.
He made this appeal during a consultative visit by concerned Ekeremor youths to his office in Yenagoa.
Addressing the gathering, Ekerefe described the current political moment as a defining point for the future of Bayelsa West and the broader Ijaw Nation.
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He warned that the decisions made now would have generational consequences and urged voters to prioritize integrity, proven leadership, and a history of service over political expediency.
In his speech, Ekerefe portrayed Senator Dickson as a courageous and consistent advocate for the Niger Delta and its minority populations. He emphasized Dickson’s longstanding commitment to the region, noting his record of bold and principled representation at the national level.
“Senator Henry Seriake Dickson is not just another legislator. He has remained the most articulate voice for the oppressed minorities of the Niger Delta, consistently speaking truth to power, even at great political cost,” Ekerefe stated.
He highlighted Dickson’s developmental legacy, pointing to key projects and initiatives such as the Sagbama-Ekeremor road, which he described as an “economic and physical lifeline” for Bayelsa West communities.
Ekerefe also cited the establishment of the University of Africa and the Bayelsa Medical University as examples of Senator Dickson’s long-term investments in education and youth development.
“These are not empty monuments. They represent a strategic vision for the future of our people—investments that continue to shape the region’s educational and economic landscape,” he said.
Ekerefe used the occasion to criticize what he called a growing trend of political manipulation and ambition masquerading as advocacy for zoning or rotation. He accused certain political actors of attempting to use false claims of zoning arrangements to undermine Senator Dickson’s candidacy.
According to him, many of those leading the campaign against Dickson are beneficiaries of the Senator’s past support and mentorship, yet they are now attempting to derail his work by pushing narratives that lack substance and historical grounding.
“Let us be clear. This so-called zoning argument is a tool of political convenience. It is a disingenuous strategy designed to suppress competence and install mediocrity,” Ekerefe warned.
He challenged those making the case against Dickson to present their own records of service, asking what tangible development they had brought to Ekeremor or the wider Bayelsa West senatorial district.
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He asserted that many of them had no discernible legacy or meaningful contributions to the lives of young people in the region.
Ekerefe also addressed the youth directly, urging them not to be swayed by superficial political incentives such as branded items or token payments. He encouraged them to rise above manipulation and to view politics as a contest of ideas, not as an arena for violence or division.
“You are not tools to be exploited during elections. Your power lies in your intellect, your discernment, and your insistence on accountable leadership,” he told the youth.
He appealed for peaceful, informed engagement throughout the political process, urging young people to reject violence, intimidation, and propaganda in favor of critical thinking and issue-based dialogue.
In concluding his address, Ekerefe reiterated his support for Senator Dickson, urging Bayelsa West to remain steadfast in backing a candidate with a clear record of achievements and a vision for the region’s future. He called on the electorate to guard the democratic process and to reject any effort to derail it through misinformation or opportunistic politics.
“As we approach another electoral season, let us choose continuity where there is competence, and unity where there is truth,” Ekerefe said.
He commended the visiting youth for their initiative and commitment to political engagement, calling on them to continue organizing, asking questions, and holding leaders accountable.
He reminded them that the responsibility of leadership would eventually fall to their generation and urged them to prepare by embracing courage, wisdom, and the values that define the Ijaw spirit.
The speech concluded with a call for unity and progress, emphasizing that only by standing together in defense of credible leadership can Bayelsa West and the Ijaw Nation continue to move forward.
