No Rift Between Diri, Dickson, Aide Declares

Political adviser to the Bayelsa State governor, Collins Corcodia has denied the existence of any conflict of interests between his boss, Governor Douye Diri and his predecessor, Sen. Seriake Dickson.

Corcodia said instead of political actors in the state to fan ember of discord between Diri and Dickson, they should rather channel their energy towards supporting the present administration to continue the ongoing good work in the areas of infrastructural development, empowerment and unity amongst the various interests in the state.

Corcodia, who made this known at the weekend in Yenagoa, said despite the frivolous claims of a rift, the political actors should remember that government of the immediate administration led by Dickson, gave birth to the incumbent administration of Diri and that the mantra of “Prosperity” was also a brain child of “Restoration” mantra.

He said, “So heating the polity was unnecessary and uncalled for. People are trying to create confusion where there shouldn’t be. It’s still the same family, the governor and his predecessor are in good terms, and they talk regularly, and sometimes take decisions together. I served as governor’s representative, commissioner for youth development, sports development and pioneered the labour, employment and productivity ministry, all under the restoration government.” But am here in the prosperity government. Does that remove me from restoration, certainly no?

“Even the governor served under the restoration government and then later became a national assembly member under the restoration government. The deputy governor also served as works commissioner under the restoration government. So, let’s be fair to the two political leaders that we have and stop trying to create confusion amongst them.”

On the recent defection of some stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Social Democratic Party, he frowned at the defectors for their actions, despite benefitting from the same system, adding that there was no cause for alarm, as efforts were already ongoing to reconcile those who defected and all aggrieved members, who are dissatisfied with the last party primaries, through a reconciliation committee set up by Diri.

He however reminded political actors and party faithful that only one person can occupy a seat at a time and so, the need for understanding and unity within the party for continues success to be achieved.

Reacting to the local government elections, Corcodia said the time table for the elections coincided with that of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, hence it was on hold, however, the onus now lies with the State Independent National Electoral Commission, BYSIEC to fix dates and conduct the election.