The political differences between the former first lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, have settled. Mrs. Jonathan reportedly disclosed that her decision to settle the rift with Dickson was taken in a bid to unite the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in the state and forge a common front for the re-election of the incumbent in the forthcoming governorship election.
According to sources keeping tabs on the developments, the former first lady who had engaged the governor in a protracted power-play over the last one year decided to support the PDP and the second term bid of Dickson so as to stop the All Progressives Congress (APC) from taking over the seat of governance at the Creek Haven in Yanegoa. Mrs Jonathan also decided to sheathe her sword and reconcile with the embattled Governor following series of interventions by some Bayelsa elders, including former governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Due to this change of mind, Mrs Jonathan was said to have directed her followers and loyalists including a former Special Adviser to the President on Domestic Matters, Dr. Waripamowei Dudafa, to work for Dickson.
Dudafa is, however, said to be at loggerheads with Dickson over his alleged anti-PDP activities and sponsorship of some candidates of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
A close relative of Jonathan and a former Commissioner for Special Duties (Federal Project), Mike Ogiasa, confirmed the processes that led to the reconciliation between Dickson and Mrs. Jonathan. He said: “The Jonathans are known to me. As a close family member, I know her very well. She can suppress her anger against someone and do the right thing. As I am talking to you, I believe, as a typical PDP woman, she can never support another political party against the choice of the PDP. In politics, there is unity in diversity. People disagree to agree. It was not a hidden fact that Governor Dickson was at loggerheads with Dame Patience Jonathan. But it is also true that by human nature, she may not have supported Dickson. But she has weighed it and discovered that the election is beyond Dickson. She cannot now because of anger allow Bayelsa to be under the APC. Though I don’t know who she is supporting, I know that she can never vote the APC against the PDP.”
By Olisemeka Obeche
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