Bayelsa ex-comnissioners battle Dickson’s re-election bid

Former Commissioners for Transport and Sports, Mrs. Marie Ebikake and Ebikitin Diongoli have vowed that their former boss, Governor Seriake Dickson, cannot be governor of Bayelsa State again.

Ebikake and Diongoli, who spoke on Tuesday under the auspices of the Peoples Democratic Party Unity Forum, said the PDP would lose the governorship election if Dickson was fielded.

They said Dickson’s candidacy would spell doom for the PDP, stressing that the party would lose woefully under the incumbent governor.

But a source in the Government House, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was sad that Ebikake could be crititicising Dickson for non-performance.

The source said Ebikake would soon be answering questions from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for alleged mismanagement.

He said, “It is shocking that Ebikake, who was the deputy Director-General of Dickson Campaign Organisation and a ranking commissioner in Dickson’s administration, could be opening her mouth wide to attack her former boss.

“She was given the mandate to purchase the state’s restoration cabs. She left with the files of purchases and has refused to return the files for the current Commissioner to track those given the taxis.

“Whether she likes it or not, Dickson is the best foot for the PDP. Three and a half years of Dickson, the state has witnessed tremendous developments in all facets.”

But, Ebikake, Coordinator, PDP Unity Forum, said the indignation of Bayelsans had grown under Dickson and that the governor had failed the people, adding that he lacked foresight to continue to govern the state.

the former commissioner, who was removed from office because of her alleged closeness to former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, gave insight into what transpired during a meeting with PDP’s Board of Trustees in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s residence in Otuoke.

She said during the meeting, Dickson and former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha were barred from participating because it was not meant for reconciliation.

She also corrected the insinuation in some quarters that she and other members of the Unity Forum were either expelled or suspended, saying there was no time they were sanctioned by the party.

Ebikake, who commended the BOT members for intervening in the crisis in Bayelsa PDP,  admitted that prior to their intervention, the PDP was divided because of Dickson’s alleged highhandedness and manipulation.

She said it was such division and crises that led to the formation of Unity Forum within the PDP with a view to uniting members.