National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, CON, has expressed profound gratitude to the people of Bayelsa West, Bayelsa State, the Ijaw Nation, the Niger Delta, and Nigerians at home and abroad for their support, solidarity, and prayers in the ongoing effort to rescue the country’s multi-party democracy.
In a statement released on Thursday, Dickson noted that he has not returned home for the past eight months since attending the funeral of a former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State in January. From there, he returned to Abuja, where he founded the NDC and built it “block by block” with the support of well-meaning Nigerians, party candidates, and partners, particularly Presidential Candidate His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi and his running mate, His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“Today, it has emerged as the biggest national opposition party in our country,” Dickson stated.
He first thanked God Almighty “from whom all blessings and strength flow,” before extending appreciation to party officers at every level and Nigerians across party lines for their belief, confidence, trust, and prayers.
Special gratitude was reserved for the people of Bayelsa West, whom he represents in the Senate, as well as the entire people of Bayelsa State, the Ijaw Nation, and all Nigerians for their steadfast support and unwavering faith.
Dickson stressed that Nigeria’s democracy and multi-party system must survive. He said the party was currently dealing with what he described as the “legal, contrived shenanigans of anti-democratic forces,” adding that “this, too, shall pass.” He expressed confidence that the judiciary would act according to the law and not allow itself to be used as an instrument to derail democracy.
Despite his prolonged absence from home, Dickson said he had watched with “immense pride and satisfaction” as leaders and citizens—men and women, young and old—continued to troop out in large numbers to register, join, and actively participate in the affairs of the NDC.
He also referenced individuals he had raised and supported over the years who, he alleged, had turned around to weaponise the instruments of government, sack people from office, victimise innocent citizens, spread unfounded propaganda, and repay past goodwill with “wickedness and evil.”
“Yet all the propaganda, incitement, persecution, falsehood, and wickedness directed against me, my family, my community, and my steadfast supporters and friends for almost seven years, without reason or justification, have not swayed you,” he said. “In spite of it all, you have persevered. You have remained resolute, and you have not buckled.”
Dickson said the courage to say “No” when it is the right answer, and the determination to place ideas, conviction, and principles above personal gain, appointments, and comfort, remain among the legacies he hopes to leave behind. He emphasised that every government is a servant, not a master, and must remain accountable and honest to the people.
He announced that in the coming weeks, he would return home alongside the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, to interact with supporters and thank them personally. He called on the people to prepare for “non-violent politics; the politics of ideas,” which he said he has consistently championed throughout his public life.
Dickson warned that those whose stock-in-trade is to threaten and intimidate, weaponise government institutions against their own people, and sow violence in communities would once again be put to shame. He said young people, women, community leaders, and people of goodwill would be mobilised and sensitised to resist violence and intimidation, turn out in large numbers to peacefully vote out those who oppress and betray public trust, and defend their votes.
“Together, we shall continue to defend democracy, deepen our multi-party system, and build again a Bayelsa and a Nigeria founded on justice, freedom, accountability, the rule of law, and free and fair elections,” he declared.
He specifically thanked the Bayelsa West Caucus, leaders and members, the State Chairman and Exco members, women and youth leaders, traditional rulers, and all stakeholders for enduring pain, deprivation, and hunger while remaining steadfast. “Your resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment will never be in vain. Bayelsa State and our people, whom I have always served, shall triumph once again,” he added.
Reflecting on his political journey, Dickson reminded those who may have forgotten that he is a politician who has “seen it all,” surviving false allegations, failed probes, investigations, and intimidation over nearly two decades, while still delivering lasting legacies despite facing the harshest recession during six of his eight years in office as governor.
“I raised and supported men and women across Bayelsa and Ijaw land, and I am still working for our people, working for God, and working for humanity,” he said. “The God who stood by me has not fallen asleep or taken ill, neither has He travelled. He is still on His throne, watching, recording, and laughing at the acts of petty, wicked, and ungrateful small men.”
Dickson concluded by praying that God would continue to bless the NDC, Bayelsa State, and the nation.
