By Samuel Oyadongha

Yenagoa—An elder statesman in Bayelsa State, Chief Thompson Okorotie, has called on all Bayelsans and the entire Ijaw nation to join forces with Governor Seriake Dickson to regain political relevance at the federal level.

He spoke in Yenagoa, ahead of the November governorship election in the state, shortly after a meeting with leaders and members of a socio-cultural group, the Bayelsa Development Forum, which is at the vanguard for the emancipation and economic development of the Niger Delta region.

Okorotie, who reviewed political developments in the state in recent times and the implications for the future, said the choice before Bayelsans and the entire Niger Delta region was to ensure the protection of their common interests now and in the future.

This, he said, must also be founded on demonstrated actions in the past and now, by those who are angling for leadership positions.

He said: “Having lost power at the centre, we have to come together and be united for a common purpose that can realistically help us reposition Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta for greater political relevance.

“It is imperative for all Bayelsans and the entire Niger Delta region to remain committed in our support for Dickson’s Restoration Government. We have seen what he has done and his resolve towards the key interest of the Ijaw nation, which no one can wish away.”

He cautioned the people against politics of greed and self-centeredness which, he said, were the bane of underdevelopment.