ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has accused governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including his successor, Governor Duoye Diri of abandoning the mess they created in the party and running to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dickson’s remarks came after reports that Diri and several political leaders in Bayelsa State had dumped the PDP for the ruling APC.
Speaking to journalists after Wednesday’s plenary session, the senator condemned the wave of defections, describing them as a betrayal of democratic principles and an embarrassment to Nigeria’s multi-party system.
“I am where I have been. I am where I am. I don’t believe that Nigeria should be a one-party state,” he said.
“As a soldier of democracy, I’m used to the ups and downs of democratic life. I remain steadfast in the PDP, working with colleagues to ensure that the problems in the party are solved.”
According to Vanguard, Dickson criticised PDP leaders for creating the current crisis within the party and then abandoning ship rather than taking responsibility.
“I hope that the governors and the leadership working committee who created this mess in our party, all of them, and who instead of showing leadership, have created this mess and ensured that it has persisted for this long.
“And they are the ones now bailing out after creating the problem they could not solve or refused to solve.
READ ALSO: Akpabio Says Fubara, Diri Will Join APC As Tinubu Welcomes Eno To Party, Assures Benefits
“It’s very sad. Very, very sad. It’s making Nigeria look small and making our country’s democracy look ridiculous,” he lamented.
He further said the defections demeaned Nigeria’s democracy.
“We don’t really know what they are pursuing or what is pursuing them. But whatever it is, it belittles our democracy and endangers our multi-party system.”
The former governor reaffirmed his faith in plural politics, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity thrives only when opposition parties are strong and functional.
“I believe in a multi-party Nigeria. A plural Nigeria can only thrive on a plural democratic environment,” he said.
On developments in Bayelsa, Dickson said he had chosen not to interfere in governance since leaving office.
“Since I handed over, I’ve not been a godfather. I made no requests, no demands, no pressure only available for consultation and advice.
“The governor consulted me several times to his credit, but I wasn’t convinced because I didn’t see any compelling reason for a second-term governor to defect.”
READ ALSO: APC Stakeholders Back Gov Mbah’s Possible Defection
He also reminded Nigerians of the PDP’s pivotal role in advancing the political inclusion of the Niger Delta and Ijaw people.
“I’m still standing with the PDP that gave my people and the Niger Delta the opportunity to contest and emerge as Vice President, Acting President, and President of Nigeria.
“This other party cannot do that. If we don’t succeed in rescuing the PDP, then we’ll be part of a collective decision—which again, should not be the ruling party. A democracy without opposition ceases to be democracy.”
Speaking on President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dickson described it as a commendable choice.
“President Tinubu has made a very good choice, and I will support his confirmation. As a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria the first to be so nominated, he understands his place in history,” Dickson said.
He pledged to work with his colleagues in the Senate to ensure that ongoing electoral reforms succeed.
“I will be casting my vote in support of his nomination. We will work to ensure that the reforms we are championing see the light of day.”