10/01/2017
ANALYSIS OF THE EMERGENCE OF HSD, HIS 1ST AND ONGOING 2ND TENURE, AND HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER LEADERS - Izon Egberi-ama
In the year 2012, the politics of Bayelsa State took a different shape, when Bayelsans at the time became tired of the government of the day led by Chief Timipre Sylva, more especially with the activities of the then “Operation Famutagbe” security outfit.
It became pertinent that Bayelsa State needed saving; and so, it was that stakeholders of Bayelsa State gathered with those from Ogbia LGA at the center of sorting out a credible candidate to ensure the smooth takeover of government from the then Chief Timipre Sylva led administration, with Rt Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson from Sagbama LGA as the proposed governorship aspirant.
As fate and destiny may have it, the efforts of the stakeholders involved in the “takeover project”, especially King A. J. Turner who believed in the “Save Bayelsa State” project, the candidature of the proposed aspirant, and was able to convince others to do same, were not put to shame as Rt Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson went on with their support to win the elections (…even though at the time, anyone could have become the candidate under the PDP and still win because of the faith of the people in the party) and was successfully sworn in as Governor of Bayelsa State.
It is important to note here that the actors on stage and those behind the scenes who fought to ensure the victory of the governor, and brought about the restoration dream, all did so at the risks of their lives and that of their families. Also, worthy of note, is how some very dedicated Bayelsans (politicians and technocrats alike) at the time risked their lives and comforts from Abuja, Port Harcourt, Lagos and other parts of the country to attend strategic planning meetings in Yenagoa. And would immediately leave town after such gatherings for fear of their lives and safety. In all of these, it was the Ogbia stakeholders that stayed back to coordinate the processes.
At this point, worthy of special recognition and salutations are the likes of:
1. Hon. Fred Agbedi (...the Director-General, “Dickson Campaign Organisation” who worked tirelessly to deliver on HSD first and second tenure).
2. Hon (Chief) Mitema Obordor (…who at the time was Director, “Mobilisation of the Dickson Campaign Organisation” and the “Operation Save Bayelsa”).
3. King A. J. Turner, who was the first believer in the restoration dream.
4. Deacon James Dugo (...the then Party Chairman who stood despite pressure from all sides not to give ticket to HSD).
5. Mrs. Marrie Ebikake (...who was more than just a woman).
6. Surveyor Akene (...a name that needed to be recognised as far as the Restoration Family is concerned, unfortunately he left to join the opposition party, APC for reasons best known to him).
7. Hon. Fyneman Wilson (...who brought his wealth of experience to bear to ensure victory throughout the elections, and is still working very hard for the system).
Also, worthy of mention is Hon. Dudafa and Dr. Eruani who left the Chief Sylva government to join the restoration team in the background. And many other notable sons and daughters of the State.
After Governor Dickson came into power, three months therein, he made various appointments to put together his cabinet, the administration took off, and registered a lot of successes in the first two years before the finances of the State began to decline.
Even though I feel that the honour given to a man such as King A. J. Turner, who I dare to say is the “Father of the Restoration Government” initiative was not enough; the likes of Late Chief DSP Alamieyesigha, Timi Alaibe and some other notable sons and daughters who fought both in the shadows, and in the open to ensure the victory of the Restoration Government were treated alike too. However it is safe to mention that with all these, there were less blackmails within the PDP as well as the State, not even in Creek Haven as we have them now. And the assumption behind that was because the government ran a ship that appeared closely knitted like a family; leaders from all the various LGAs were respected, listened to and carried along. Appointments were made responsibly, and to merited individuals with good track record and integrity.
In all this, kudos to the Governor who was able to manage all the happenings at the time in the various LGAs in his first four years. He was able to carry almost everybody along one way or the other; even those that “came after the meal had been cooked…”.
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Fast forward to 2015, when Governor Dickson indicated interest to run for a second term. This was the beginning of the many political dramas that plagued our dear State, and I dare say still does; these dramas got so heated that many left the PDP to join other parties in other to actualize their dreams and ambitions – believing that since power had shifted in the center, why not in Bayelsa. And so, they set out to make sure the ride was not an easy one for the PDP.
But again, came the originators of the “Restoration Dream”, those who believed in the restoration vision that it can be done again. And yes, they set out to make it happen again….
But this time, it was not as easy as the first because there was disarray within the party; blackmails and cut throat theatrics had found its way deep into the once united Restoration Family. There were blackmails about those who wanted to contest against the Governor as was alleged within the PDP, and at the end it was clearer about those who really wanted the number one seat.
Again, fast forward to December 2015 and January 2016 when Bayelsans came out en masse and decided their fate, and Governor Dickson once again came out victorious. However, the opposition party, APC with Chief Timipre Sylva took to the Tribunal, Appeal Court, and finally the Supreme Court to challenge the outcome of the elections. And in all three, Governor Dickson and the PDP came out victorious.
It is worthy to note at this point that during the long court battles – contesting the outcome of the elections, the State suffered stagnation developmentally and otherwise. However, after the final victory at the apex court, it was expected that the Restoration Government would swiftly resume its first term developmental strides – deliver on the promised dividends of democracy to the people of Bayelsa State. But this has not been the case…
It has been observed that some political activities currently ongoing in the LGAs if not tackled, could spell the beginning of unrest that could disrupt the enduring political peace and quiet the State has been enjoying thus far. For instance, it was Southern Ijaw LGA the APC pegged as its ace card to winning the gubernatorial elections amidst Federal Might; but the PDP there stood their grounds and ensured that the party took the day. But guess what? The first appointment from that region by the Governor instead of to a PDP faithful, it was to a notable APC supporter, who was appointed Chairman, Bayelsa State Waterways Security.
The decision for this appointment though unclear, has left many in the PDP unhappy – wondering what the Governor’s game plan is. Many PDP supporters have described such appointment as unhealthy irrespective of whatever bargain that may have necessitated it; especially as one of the Governor’s notable quotes during the campaigns was, “…baboon will not work for monkey to chop”. In other words, it is those that labour that will eat of the vineyard. So how does one explain the above appointment…?
Another instance is in Brass LGA were most of the PDP loyalists who before this time have proven their worth and loyalty to the Restoration Family, appears to be suffering one blackmail or the other, and as such have been kept in the dark, or should I dare say made to feel like outcasts! The reasons for these treatments are not exactly clear but at this point your analytic guesses are as good as mine.
One LGA I cannot leave untouched is the Ogbia LGA. As an analyst, I have been following the ever-unfolding political activities in Bayelsa State; and I dare say that Governor Dickson has enjoyed uninterrupted political support and friendship from the Ogbia people than any others in the State. Right from his AD party departure, his days with Green Movement, and later Commissioner for Justice to Attorney-General of the State, all under the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration when he was governor of Bayelsa State.
When Governor Dickson indicated interest to contest for the senatorial seat of his district but was not favoured due to ammonization; it was his Ogbia brothers who encouraged him to contest for the House of Representative seat which he eventually won. And when Bayelsa State needed saving and restoring – again his Ogbia brothers in the center of it all picked and backed His Excellency, Rt Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson again to become governor. A decision I consider very selfless of the Ogbia people and all those involved in the process, considering that the west had not produced a governor in the history of the State.
With all these sacrifices, one would expect that the relationship between the Governor and his Ogbia brothers (leaders), who fought and saw to it that he became governor will be nothing short of the kind of affair that exists between a husband and wife – a fruitful relationship. But regrettably, the reverse is the case as have been observed since the wake of his second tenure.
It is no longer secret that the Governor’s once cordial relationship with his Ogbia political brothers, who fought against all odds to see him re-elected for a second term has drastically dwindled. This deteriorated relationship with the Ogbia leaders to be exact does not exclude the Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan because the Governor is hardly seen to visit Otuoke – the hometown of his should be political father as far as his position is concerned South-South and South of the East.
It is important to most respectfully note here that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan remains the highest-ranking politician of South-South and South-East, and should be given that respect irrespective of party, and his home State is not exempted.
Politics as they say, is “interest-based” and whatever the interests are, it is glaring that a lot is happening in Bayelsa politics than meets the eye. The governor has/is forsaken(ing) those once selfless people (technocrats and politicians alike) who stood by him through thick and thin. The reasons are not exactly clear as to why, but I will continue to observe (…you should too) and will analyse events as they unfold.
However, in my analysis, I want to remind public servants that every political office has an expiration tenure (…as is the case of a Principal that was once a student). Lucky Dube of blessed memories in one of his songs said, “The people you meet on your way up the ladder, you might meet (again) on your way down…”.
This is the way of life and politics…
