The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has stated the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not pose a serious threat to his re-election bid in the December 5 governorship election.
He stated this on Saturday in an interview with newsmen at the sidelines of the 2015 Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Dickson, who was in company with a former governor of Bayesla State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, explained that the APC had only engaged in mere propaganda against his administration in the run-up to the election.
He said, “For all of us in Bayelsa, we know there is no challenge, contest or threat of any kind. All you have heard or read about us is all propaganda. There is no APC in Bayelsa to threaten us.”
The governor urged the people of the state and other Nigerians to disregard the criticisms and unfounded allegations against his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), by APC chieftains.
Dickson, who stated his late mother hailed from Ijebu Ode, commended the Ijebu people for the promotion of culture, through huge investment in the sector.
He advised parents to always teach their children about culture and tradition, adding that such would help in fostering development and nation building.
He said, “I’m not here today for politics, I’m here to honour our father and also to celebrate with my friends here and others in the ‘regberegbes,’ particularly my own group, the Jagunmolus, and all the people of our country from far and near.
“I am very delighted with the colourful cultural display that I have seen here today. This is what we have been preaching back then, we want our children to know about our tradition and culture and to make them know that our tradition still has dignity.”
The Awujale and the paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, stated the Ijebu people were proud of their roots and cultural heritage, stressing that the Ojude Oba festival had become a rallying point for the sons and daughters of the town.
He noted that they would not relent in making significant contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.