Governor Dickson stated this at a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders meeting in Yenagoa.
He described the area as the strongest fortress of the party, being the home of the Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation, late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Besides, the PDP boasts of other staunch foundational members of the party including the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson; the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Talford Ongolo; and Chief Patrick Osunu, in addition to the fact that the area witnessed the least defection in the build up to the December 5 governorship election.
Describing the election that took place on Sunday in Southern Ijaw LGA as a charade, Governor Dickson wondered why the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, would claim to have scored over 80,000 votes in an area where it does not have any strong followership
According to him, the opposition connived with the military to undermine the security of the electorate and INEC staff in order to manipulate the electoral process, knowing fully well that the local government had the second largest voter strength.
Commending the people of Southern Ijaw for their courage and resilience in the face intimidation and harassment during the last election, the Governor said all what the people desire is for INEC to provide a level playing ground by strictly adhering to the guidelines of the electoral act.
Governor Dickson, who used the forum to re-constitute the Bayelsa State Elders Council, headed by Air Vice Marshal Larry Koinyan (rtd), also appreciated the various roles played by the caucus chairmen of the PDP that enabled the party to achieve the success it has recorded so far.
He said Senator Nimi Barigha Amange is the Deputy Chairman, while the three vice chairmen representing the senatorial districts are: East – King Amalate Turner; West – Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi; and Central – Chief Patrick Osunu; with Chief Thompson Okorotie to serve as Secretary.
Responding, Koinyan expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him to serve the people and pledged to collaborate with members of the council towards repositioning the Ijaw nation.
Also speaking, the state acting PDP Chairman, Chief Serena Dokubo Spiff, urged all to remain steadfast as the election was not yet over, but expressed optimism the PDP would carry the day