Yenagoa—A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Ebike Eyeariade, has said all is not well in the PDP in Bayelsa state.
In a state made available to mangrovepen.ng, Eyeariade said there are seemingly two factions in the Bayelsa state PDP that are engaged in a power tussle and as well jostling for elective positions in the state.
He noted that the two factions are loyal to Governor Douye Diri and Senator Seriake Dickson respectively with each faction trying to outmaneuver the other in getting juicy positions in the current administration and the party.
“It shows that all is not well within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. Many believe that the governor needs to dissolve his cabinet and have his men and true apostles man strategic offices.
“This according to them became very inevitable as there is a serious crack in the PDP family. The Seriake Dickson followers believe that they must continue to be in charge.
“This set of people has refused to realize that there is a new Sheriff whose philosophy and manner of approach to governance is different from the previous. They have become a clog in the wheel of progress.
“However, while the government is trying to manage these characters, they have gone ahead to begin a series of events that shows they are not ready to relinquish power and allow the new boss to have his way.
“There have been reports of subterranean moves to take over all the elective offices to show that they control the leadership of the party. Apart from the state party secretary Mr. Gesi Isowo, all other members of the state working committees are stooges of Senator Seriake Dickson,” he said.
Eyeariade alleged that while Senator Seriake Dickson was Governor, he agreed with the current deputy governor of Bayelsa state, Lawrence Erudjakpor to only see out his term as senator and not to seek reelection.
He added that the breach of that agreement which is highly likely given Dickson’s recent body language is another brewing issue that would rock and further divide the party.
According to him, “What is more worrisome is the fact that the incumbent deputy governor seems to be poles apart from his immediate boss.
“It is reported that while Dickson held sway as governor the people had reaffirmed an existing rotational agreement to the extent that Seriake Dickson will only serve out the unexpired term of Lawrence Erudjakpor, the present Deputy Governor.
“Seriake Dickson himself in several verified videos submitted that he would not seek for re-election”.
“Today his body language and the actions of his followers show that he is actively taking steps to seek re-election. This action alone if allowed will have a multiplier effect that will affect the political fortunes of the entire state.
“The people of this senatorial district are perhaps the most conscious. They also represent the base of PDP as APC won all other local government areas in the governorship election.
“They have vowed not to allow him to get re-elected. It is on record that this was the same scenario that did not allow Senator Ben Bruce from getting returned to the senate, an action in that Governor Dickson played a very vital role. Thus, the question is will Governor Douye Diri take charge and ensure like Dickson that the terms of the agreement are implemented.”
“Some say he will, while others believe that he won’t. Today what is the most debated issue within the political space is the indecision of the Governor.
“But what is predominately a common agreement is that if the party and the Governor allow Dickson to have a return ticket, an entire zone will decamp and fight the party, and this will, in the long run, affect the Governor in his bid to get re-elected especially given the open threat of an ally of Henry Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas “.
“This consensus is believed to have the acceptance of all as HS Dickson foot soldiers have continued to cause disaffection in the state. Governor Douye Diri is a peaceful and good-hearted man.
“But his peaceful disposition is inimical to certain decisions. The hard truth is that except he stands firm and allows the people’s decisions to scale through his re-election is highly threatened.”