•••Says Mischief Makers Trying Create Division Will Fail
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has denied any rift with his predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
The Governor said that those planting stories of purported dispute between him and the former Governor are only on a failed mission to cause division in the Peoples Democratic Party.
Diri in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said that he had taken a decision to ignore the reports which he said were sponsored.
The Governor who said that he had ensured that he gives the necessary acknowledgment and respect to his predecessor added that those behind the reports had only on embarked on a futile exercise to cause division.
He said further that he has a responsibility as the Governor of Bayelsa State to unify and ensure the provision of a peaceful atmosphere for hood governance to thrive in the state.
Diri urged the members of the public to discountenance the reports stressing that his relationship with his predecessor remains cordial and anchored on mutual respect.
The statement reads, “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 respects 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 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 course, remains focused and cannot be distracted regardless of how much our detractors try.”