Gov Dickson insists on dialogue with Niger Delta militants

(Nigeria) Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, has insisted that dialogue remains the best option in dealing with militants in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking in Abuja  after a private meeting with President Mohammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, Dickson said, "I came in this afternoon to have discussions with Mr. President. That is because my position has been and I believe that is the right position every political leader should take which is that after general elections, political leaders and citizens must unite and address common issues and find solutions to the problems of our country.

"All over the world, once nations have crisis, once nations come under attack, leaders unite across political lines. And together, I came in to have discussion with Mr. President and I thank him for that opportunity and we cross fertilized ideas around issues of security.

"Of course, as you know Bayelsa State is central to the maintenance of law and order and stability in our country particularly in the Niger Delta region. Bayelsa State is the epicentre of the issues that have to do with the Niger Delta. And we had fruitful discussions on the need for political leaders, governmental and political leaders to work together to support the work of the security agencies and foster better understanding of even people who have grievances  and that we are committed to do together.

"I also want to use this opportunity to appreciate Mr. President for his non-interference   in the political processes that played out in Bayelsa in the last general elections. And as you are also aware‎, yesterday, the Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja delivered judgement upholding my election and affirming my emergence as a true product of the democratic exercise of rights of our people in the December 5th and January 9.

"Again, I want to use this opportunity to appreciate‎ Mr. President for his non-interference contrary to the propaganda and the name dropping that some politicians back home and even in Abuja embarked upon. There is no name they didn't call. There is no claim that they didn't make but I'm telling Nigerians, I'm telling Bayelsans to disregard all that propaganda.

"The President never had anything to do by way of negatively influencing the last general elections in Bayelsa and also the outcome of the Tribunal proceedings. That is important because if our nation must move forward, if our democracy must be strengthened, if our nation must move forward, if our democracy must be strengthened, if our nation must be stable, then institutions must be allowed to grow.

"I want to use this opportunity to call on my opponent, brothers and friends and fellow citizens of Bayelsa and all others to join hands with us so that we can render service to our people and a stronger more stable and prosperous Bayelsa State."