February 03, (THEWILL) — Senator Dickson has poured encomiums, glowing tributes on the life and times of the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, whom he described as a man of uncommon conscience, principled and quintessential leader and trusted ally, whose demise will take him time to take in, considering their age-long shared relationship.
Senator Seriake Dickson stated this while speaking in a live media chat at his country home, Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa state, and currently the Senator representing Bayelsa West at the Red Chamber, said in an emotional statement, that the former deputy governor resisted political pressure to defect from the People’s Democratic Party, insisting that his conscience would not allow him to dump the party that gave him the rare opportunity to serve unwaveringly.
“My conscience cannot accept that. The PDP that gave me this platform to this level went to court and was rigged out. I cannot do that.”
Senator Dickson further lamented what he described as the steady decline of principled leadership in Nigeria, warning that the country was drifting towards a culture of “mercenary politics” where leaders make decisions based on personal and immediate benefits that are ephemeral.
He further averred that “if leaders think only of what they will benefit today, such as food on the table, big cars, appointments, then society ends up with mercenaries, not leaders of principle.
He stressed that from leadership that is anchored on fairness, justice and moral conviction, noting that societies only make progress when leaderships are guided by values and convenience.
He revealed that he had advised Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo to follow the political direction of his principal, but he declined, on the grounds of conscience, a decision he respected deeply.
According to him, “He looked straight at me and said, Sir, how can I do that? I don’t think it is right to my conscience”, Dickson quoted former governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
On the replacement of the deputy governor, he said it was condemnable for what he described as not only premature political positioning, but an exploitation of tragedy. “Anybody who thinks that they can climb politically on the death of another human being is wicked, irresponsible and foolish”, he said.
As a state that has never lost a sitting deputy governor, making death a deeply solemn moment that required restraint, unity and respect for his selfless service.
He, however, commended Governor Douye Diri for bringing stability to the state and recommitted that he has deliberately avoided interfering in governance since leaving office.
“I have not interfered in appointments or contracts in six years. The governor has constitutional powers, and I respect that, saying though he has not retired from politics, his approach remained hinged on organisation, persuasion and peaceful engagement rather than violence or coercion.
He called on the Bayelsa State government and concerned institutions to immortalise the late Deputy governor, adding that his life should be documented and preserved as a compass worthy of emulation for future generations.
His legacies should remind us that conscience, humility and loyalty to worthy causes still matter.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
