Abuja, Nigeria – Former Bayelsa State Governor and current Senator, Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), has urged ex-governors to maintain distance from their successors and provide support through prayers rather than interference.
He emphasized that this approach ensures peace of mind and fosters political stability in their states.
Dickson stressed that many successors were brought into leadership roles by their predecessors, often without personal ambition for the position.
He noted that former governors have a responsibility to allow new leaders the space to perform their duties effectively, highlighting the importance of restraint and guidance rather than control.
He further explained that giving current governors room to operate reduces tensions and prevents avoidable conflicts.
Former governors who intervene excessively, he suggested, risk creating unnecessary disputes that can undermine governance and destabilize their states.
In his approach to Bayelsa State politics, Dickson has chosen to minimize his presence in the state capital, preferring to stay in his village.
This strategy, he said, allows Governor Duoye Diri to govern without interference and contributes to smoother administration and local stability.
Regarding the Bayelsa deputy governorship, Dickson clarified that the decision is solely within the governor’s authority.
He intends to provide only guidance and advice, leaving executive decisions entirely to the current administration to maintain harmony and proper governance.
Dickson also addressed the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attributing recent tensions to leadership failures and a lack of consultation with key stakeholders.
He emphasized that strategic decisions made without inclusivity have contributed to internal divisions within the party.
Despite the challenges within the PDP, Dickson reaffirmed his commitment to the party, citing his loyalty to the platform that has provided both political opportunities and benefits to his constituency.
He indicated, however, that continued mismanagement could force him to reconsider his political alignment in the future.
On electoral reforms, Dickson, a member of the Senate Committee on the Electoral Act, criticized amendments by the Senate that removed consensus and indirect primaries as candidate selection methods.
He highlighted that the House of Representatives version retained all three approaches—direct, indirect, and consensus—providing flexibility in candidate selection.
He warned that political leaders must balance personal ambitions with the broader interests of their parties and constituents.
According to Dickson, parties like the PDP represent national political brands that require careful stewardship, rather than being treated as personal property by individual leaders.
Dickson’s stance reflects a broader call for political maturity among former governors and party stakeholders.
By stepping back, supporting successors, and promoting internal party cohesion, he believes Nigeria can strengthen democratic processes and reduce avoidable conflicts at both state and national levels.
