Senator Amange backs Dickson for second time, says I’m still in PDP
Felix Okoye
One of the vibrant delegates in the 2014 National Conference and advocate of derivation and resource control, Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, has given a major boost to the re-election bid of Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson.
Senator Amange, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced his support while receiving the governor at his country home in Nembe-Ogbolomabiri shortly before the presentation of operational gadgets donated by him to motorcyclists in the community.
Amage vowed to work for the re-election of Dickson in the December 5 gubernatorial polls.
The former lawmaker decried rumours labelling him as one of those planning to defect from the PDP, stressing that there has never been any time he contemplated leaving the party, he and a few others laboured so much to build in the state.
Amange, who represented the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District, comprising Brass, Nembe and Ogbia LGAs in the 6th senate, told the governor to concentrate more of his electioneering campaigns in other parts of the state, as almost all the political gladiators in his domain have agreed to work for his victory.
“Senator Amange is still in PDP and will continue to be in the PDP. I have a leader whom I worked with for 8 years in Abuja and I will be the last person to leave for another party. After failing election at the centre, how can I come home and donate my own state to an opposition party? It will not happen.
“For the forthcoming election, I will say the governor should concentrate on the other side and leave this side (our senatorial district) for us. Leave Ogbia, Nembe and Brass for us. In fact, we are also praying that the governorship candidate of the main opposition party should come from this senatorial district so that everybody will now know who is in control of this place. So don’t bother yourself”, he said.
In his remarks, Governor Seriake Dickson described Amange as a great pillar of support to the restoration government and genuine party leader, who has contributed greatly towards the growth and development of the PDP and the state.
He lauded the senator for his acts of philantropy over the years and particularly for accepting to serve as the Vice Chairman of his campaign Advisory Council, which has former governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as its Chairman.
While soliciting the continued support of the former lawmaker, Governor Dickson reiterated his call on PDP faithfuls never to allow personal differences to negatively affect the fortunes of the party but rather remain loyal to its supremacy at all times.
“We are here to give honour to whom honour is due. We are confident that with Senator Amange behind us here leading, our campaign boat will get to its destination safely. The Senator is not just a passenger in this boat. He is a co-captain of this boat. We are grateful that he has accepted to be the Vice Chairman of the Campaign Advisory Council, where all our key elders assemble under the leadership of Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
“The PDP is a big family. So once in a while, there could be one or two differences. But a genuine party leader will set aside personal differences for the overall good of the party and the state and of the Ijaw nation. Senator Amange as everybody knows, is one Ijaw patriot who has not failed in that regard”, he said.
Governor Dickson, who was accorded a warm reception by various groups including the chiefs, women, youths and motorcyclists popularly known as Okada riders, was accompanied on the visit by his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Acting State Chairman of PDP, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff, Chief Thompson Okorotie and other top ranking politicians.