By Amarachi Jim-Nwoko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has accused a relative of Governor Douye Diri of allegedly using state power to intimidate supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as he intensified political mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Dickson also expressed confidence that the NDC would defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekeremor Local Government Area, citing what he described as growing grassroots support for the opposition party.
The senator made the allegations in a statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday, following a series of political engagements and consultations with community leaders, party supporters and defectors across parts of Ekeremor Local Government Area.
Recounting his visit to Angalabiri community, his ward headquarters, Dickson said he paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Highness, Dr Famous Eseduo, whom he commended for his enlightened leadership and contribution to peace and stability in the community.
He also expressed appreciation for the reception accorded him by members of the NDC, particularly their massive turnout, despite what he described as alleged political manoeuvres orchestrated by a relation of the governor, Mr Lucky Youbougha.
The former governor expressed displeasure over what he characterised as attempts by individuals within the ruling political establishment to intimidate, induce and insult NDC supporters.
He alleged that some of those involved had previously belonged to the APC and were beneficiaries of his political support when he worked towards the emergence of the governor.
Dickson, however, said he had endured such treatment for seven years, adding that he wished those involved well.
Thanking the people of Angalabiri for their solidarity, support and prayers, the senator said he considered it important to personally reconnect with them and appreciate their steadfastness despite his prolonged absence from the community.
He urged residents to prepare for peaceful, free and fair elections, insisting that every vote must count in what he described as a genuine one-man, one-vote process.
In another political engagement, Dickson, alongside the NDC State Secretary and the party’s Ekeremor Local Government Chairman, received a large number of grassroots APC members and ward coordinators from Isampou and Obrigbene communities who defected to the NDC.
He welcomed the defectors, describing them as representatives of a much larger number of people who had already abandoned the APC for the opposition party.
The senator also received political stakeholders and ward leaders from Ekeremor town, thanked them for their support and urged them to work towards defeating the APC in the forthcoming elections.
He called on the party faithful to remain united and resist politicians who, according to him, resort to intimidation of communities every election cycle.
Dickson maintained that no community belonged to any individual or family, assuring the people of his continued support.
Expressing optimism about the NDC’s electoral prospects, he said the level of support enjoyed by the party would translate into victory over the APC in Ekeremor town.
The former governor also received a delegation of Ofoni indigenes in the diaspora, particularly those residing in the Ughelli area, who visited to reaffirm their support for the NDC.
He urged them to sustain their commitment to the party in Ofoni.
Dickson further acknowledged the Orua women, who presented him with customary gifts as a mark of welcome, describing the gesture as another demonstration of goodwill and grassroots solidarity.
He expressed gratitude to all the communities, party supporters and political stakeholders for what he described as their genuine affection, support and prayers for the NDC.
