Ex-gov Dickson dismisses reports of feud with Diri, warns supporters against attacking govt

The former Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday dismissed reports of a feud with his successor, Douye Diri.

Diri assumed office as Bayelsa governor on February 14 last year.

Dickson, who reacted to the report of a feud between the duo via a statement, said his noticeable absence from government functions in recent times was deliberate and in line with his principles of non-interference.

The ex-governor stressed that he fully supports Diri’s administration in Bayelsa.

He also dismissed claims of alleged involvement in the media attacks against the state government by some of his former aides.

Dickson’s clarifications followed claims by the former General Manager of Bayelsa Broadcasting Corporation, Dr. John Idumange, who alleged diversion of N3 billion agricultural loan obtained by the last administration in the state.

He claimed that Diri’s administration was diminishing the efforts of Dickson’s government.

The ex-governor, however, denied his involvement in the allegations and urged his supporters to close ranks and work for the success of Diri’s administration.

He said: “I want to advise that no one who is supportive of me, a member of our party or who claims to be, should be publicly critical of our government. This is unacceptable.

READ ALSO: BAYELSA GUBER: Amid speculations of cold war, Dickson moves to present Diri to ex-President Jonathan

“I am aware that some of our party stalwarts and members that I led in these unprecedented battles and victories have one complaint of non-inclusion or the other which is normal.

“The governor and the party are available to address these issues and as such, do not call for a public attack on our government because an attack on the governor and his government is an attack on our party and I do not approve of such.

“My role and my duty as a former governor and the first governor to have done eight years, who supervised the process of re-election is to advise, support, and pray for the success of this administration.

“My take is that every person in the current administration at all levels, beginning with the governor is part of our team.”

Dickson also urged Governor Diri, members of his team, and the party leadership to take steps to unify and create an atmosphere of inclusiveness and togetherness.

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