Seriake Dickson, the Senator representing Bayelsa West and former Governor of Bayelsa State, has emphasized that it was the same way he brought in a governor when he was leaving office that Nyesom Wike brought Fubara into office.
During an interview with Arise TV from 22:01, he acknowledged that such political transitions are common with varying outcomes.
According to him, some unfold smoothly while others become contentious. He highlighted that while some leaders choose to handle disagreements quietly, others react differently.
He stated that doubts may arise regarding past political decisions, particularly when faced with perceived disrespect, lack of appreciation, ingratitude, or even hostility from those who were once supported.
He cautioned against allowing such conflicts to escalate to the point where political actors work towards the total collapse of establishments. He added that he has remained restrained despite understanding the emotions involved in such disputes.
He argued that the political crisis in Rivers State should be seen as a political dispute between a godfather and a godson, rather than a tribal conflict.
He said, “I don’t want this crisis, particularly this crescendo that we are in now, to be interpreted as some tribal conflict, which it is not. It is essentially a political dispute between a godfather and a godson, I think we should see it that way. After all, it was the Minister of the FCT (Nyesom Wike) who brought him, the same way I facilitated a governor when I was leaving, and most of us do that. Sometimes, it doesn’t go well; other times, we manage.
“People like us, we don’t complain, we don’t talk, we take everything in our stride. But we are all differently made. Yes, there will be instances where you say, have I made the right decision? You may be disrespected, you may not be appreciated, there may be ingratitude, there may even be sheer wickedness and envy by the people you have helped to build. It doesn’t mean you have to collapse everything. That’s why I’ve been quite restrained; I know the feelings.”