Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, has dismissed claims of a political crisis in the state following the death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewrudjakpo, insisting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains stable.
Dickson spoke during a live press conference at his residence in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area, where he addressed speculations that the late deputy governor had become a rallying point for the PDP after reportedly declining to defect with Governor Douye Diri to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the former governor, such claims were unfounded, stressing that deliberate steps were taken to prevent political conflict within Government House.
He said he had cautioned against turning Government House into a venue for party activities and noted that Ewrudjakpo respected that understanding.
“What I told Lawrency when he decided not to go with his boss was not to engage in PDP activities or play any active party role in Government House,” Dickson said.
“I respected his decision based on his conscience, but I made it clear that there should be no party meetings there, and he agreed.”
Dickson described himself as a stabilising force who chose restraint and silence to safeguard peace in the state, even in the face of provocation.
“I am the father of the government. People expected this place to boil, but I have been tolerating a lot, keeping quiet and staying away for a reason. We are making progress,” he added.
He also defended Governor Diri, saying the governor acted responsibly by curbing comments that could have deepened political divisions within the state’s leadership.
The senator dismissed allegations that Ewrudjakpo was secretly mobilising PDP supporters, attributing such narratives to rumours and propaganda.
“Lawrency was not galvanising people. That was just colouration. In Bayelsa, rumours, propaganda and blackmail are common. I never listened to such claims and never allowed him to become any rallying point,” Dickson said.
He explained that his engagement with the media was not driven by politics but by a desire to honour the late deputy governor, whom he described as humble, loyal and dedicated to service.
Dickson noted that he had largely avoided media interactions since leaving office in 2020 but felt compelled to speak at a time when the state was still mourning.
He also expressed deep personal grief and thanked Nigerians from all walks of life who attended the burial or sent condolences, saying the wide turnout reflected the high esteem in which Ewrudjakpo was held.
