Chief Suru Oyarede, NDC Caucus Chairman, Ekeremor Local Government Area, has declared that the construction of the Sagbama-Ekeremor road by former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, remains the only “crime” he has committed against the people of Ekeremor Local Government Area, stressing that the landmark project has transformed connectivity and opened up the area to greater opportunities.
Chief Oyarede made the declaration while expressing the continued support of the people of Ekeremor for Senator Dickson and all candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), during a solidarity visit by a delegation of political leaders, stakeholders, representatives, women and youth leaders from Ekeremor Local Government Area to the senator at his country home in Toru-Orua.
According to him, the Sagbama-Ekeremor road is one of the most significant projects undertaken for the people of the area, insisting that it would probably never have been constructed if Senator Dickson had not taken the initiative.
“The only crime Senator Dickson has committed against Ekeremor is that he constructed the road from Sagbama to Ekeremor town. If he had not done it, nobody would have done it,” Oyarede declared.
He maintained that no politician from Ekeremor had matched Dickson’s contributions to the development of the local government, noting that his representation at the National Assembly and commitment to the advancement of the Ijaw nation remained worthy of recognition.
Chief Oyarede further stated that the people of Ekeremor would continue to identify with Dickson because of his record of service, adding that their support would extend to the NDC and all its candidates in the forthcoming elections.
The Ekeremor delegation’s visit was also an opportunity to reaffirm the political understanding and longstanding relationship between the people of Sagbama and Ekeremor, two sister local government areas in Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
Speaking on behalf of the NDC leadership in the state, the Bayelsa State Caucus Chairman, Dr. Oyovwi Osusu, thanked the delegation for its endorsement and described the decision as a step in the right direction.
Dr. Osusu assured the people of Ekeremor that the political relationship between the two local government areas would remain strong, emphasising that the people of Sagbama were prepared to reciprocate the support and solidarity they currently enjoy from their Ekeremor neighbours.
He said, “Sagbama people are ready to work with Ekeremor people. Even in a situation where the table turns, the people of Sagbama will still support the people of Ekeremor just as they are doing now.”
Describing Senator Dickson as an asset and a political leader whose influence transcends party boundaries and geographical considerations, Osusu said his contributions to the Ijaw nation had earned him a special place in the political history of the Niger Delta.
He described Dickson not only as the founder of the Nigeria Democratic Congress but also as a universal leader of the Ijaw nation, citing his consistent support, political struggles and contributions to the advancement and development of Ijaw people.
Osusu assured the delegation that the unity and cooperation between Sagbama and Ekeremor would not be taken for granted, expressing confidence that the relationship would endure.
In his response, Senator Dickson thanked the delegation of political leaders, stakeholders, women and youth representatives from Ekeremor and the wider Bayelsa West Senatorial District for the visit, endorsement and confidence reposed in him and the NDC.
The senator expressed appreciation for what he described as the genuine commitment of the people to the NDC despite the challenges of intimidation, inducement, economic hardship and insecurity which, according to him, had characterised the APC-led government in the state.
Dickson said the growing grassroots acceptance of the NDC reflected the determination of the people to embrace a new political direction, insisting that the APC would have little electoral prospects in Ekeremor, Bayelsa West, Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large.
“With the organic and genuine support of the masses for the NDC, the APC stands no chance in Ekeremor, Bayelsa West, Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
The former governor also charged the people to remain vigilant and resist any attempt by politicians, security operatives or officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manipulate the outcome of the forthcoming elections.
He urged the electorate not to surrender their mandate to anyone, stressing that the responsibility of protecting the integrity of the ballot rested with the people.
Dickson called on security agencies and INEC to take note of what he described as the organic support enjoyed by the NDC in Bayelsa West, warning against any attempt to undermine the democratic process through electoral malpractice.
He declared that Bayelsa West is a no-go area for anyone contemplating electoral manipulation, insisting that the people were increasingly aware of their democratic rights and responsibilities.
“Bayelsans are being sensitised by me and the leadership of the NDC to resist every form of intimidation and manipulation in the forthcoming elections,” he stated.
Dickson further maintained that no individual or institution should be allowed to subvert the will of the electorate, calling on the people to remain peaceful, vigilant and committed to ensuring that their votes count.
The visit underscores the continuing political engagement between leaders and stakeholders across Sagbama and Ekeremor, as the NDC intensifies its grassroots mobilisation and seeks to consolidate support across Bayelsa West and the state ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Signed: Mr. Steve Nwosu, Spokesperson to the National Leader of the NDC
