Group Faults Dickson’s NDC, Says Party Won’t Survive in Bayelsa

A political pressure group in the South-South, the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), has criticised the formation of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging that the new party was created to advance personal political ambition rather than the national interest.

The convener of the group, Joseph Ambakederimo, stated this during a media briefing on Wednesday at Aston Vile in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Ambakederimo said the launch of the political party by former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, was driven by political disagreements in the Bayelsa West Senatorial District.

According to him, the new political platform would not gain acceptance in Bayelsa State or the wider South-South region, adding that the move could create unnecessary political tension and distract governance in the state.

He said, “The launch of the Nigeria Democratic Congress political party, founded by Senator Henry Dickson a few days ago, is borne out of malice and deep animosity against political actors in the Bayelsa West Senatorial District, including Governor Douye Diri, who is perceived to be standing against his bid to return to the Nigerian Senate for a third term.

“The NDC is dead on arrival in Bayelsa State and even across the larger region. The NDC will have no place in Bayelsa’s political space, as there are no justifiable reasons given for the formation of the group, but rather a clear design to distract governance in the state.”

The SSRG convener also called on political leaders and elders in the state to speak up against actions that could create division among the people, while urging Senator Dickson to reconsider his position and work with the current administration for the development of the state.

Ambakederimo further warned that the creation of a new political party at this time could create unnecessary political divisions in the state and the region, describing the development as a distraction from the ongoing economic and infrastructural development efforts in Bayelsa.

“Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, a very respectable individual, should have a rethink and join hands with Governor Douye Diri to continue the overall development of the state along the positive path that is evolving.

“This press conference is basically to inform our people that a fringe political party is a no-brainer at this stage of Bayelsa’s evolution and indeed the South-South geopolitical zone,” he stated.

The SSRG leader also questioned the motive behind the formation of the party, insisting that it was mainly aimed at promoting individual political ambition.

Ambakederimo, however, acknowledged that every Nigerian has the right to associate with any political group of their choice but insisted that such decisions should not undermine political stability.

He urged the people of Bayelsa and the South-South region to remain focused on development and avoid actions that could create division in the political landscape.

“Let it be known that the promoters of the NDC are not looking out for you or me; they are looking out for themselves,” he said.