A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Dr. Sylbriks Obriki, has declared that the next senator to represent Bayelsa West Senatorial District in 2027 must come from Ekeremor Local Government Area after what he described as two decades of political dominance by Sagbama.
Obriki, who stated this during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, said it was time for equity and fairness in the sharing of political positions between the two local governments that make up the senatorial district — Sagbama and Ekeremor.
“For the past 20 years in this Fourth Republic, the Sagbama axis has held the senatorial seat for a solid two decades while Ekeremor has only occupied it for eight years. By 2027, it should naturally return to Ekeremor,” Obriki said.
He recalled that it was former Governor Seriake Dickson who, during his tenure, agreed that the two local governments should alternate the position for two terms each, insisting that it was now time for Sagbama to relinquish the seat.
According to Obriki, “When Senator Heineken Lokpobiri from Ekeremor completed two terms, Dickson chaired a meeting that resolved both LGAs should maintain a two-term rotation. But after his governorship tenure, Dickson still returned to the Senate with the governor’s intervention. That privilege cannot continue indefinitely.”
Speaking on Governor Douye Diri’s recent defection to the APC, Obriki described the move as a “selfless decision” aimed at attracting more federal investments and development to Bayelsa State.
He said Diri’s defection was widely celebrated across Nigeria because it signified unity and progress for the Ijaw Nation. “All members of Ijaw Nation from Edo, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Delta were adequately represented at the event. It was a celebration of leadership and humility,” he said.
Obriki praised Governor Diri as a “God-sent leader” who understands the needs of his people and is committed to their development. “Diri is not a ceremonial leader. He believes in service, infrastructure, and development. His decision to align with the federal government is for the benefit of the people,” he added.
On Senator Dickson’s criticism of Diri’s defection, Obriki said the former governor was “on his own,” adding that the people of Bayelsa State were solidly behind Diri.
“If Dickson chooses not to align with Governor Diri, that’s his choice. But the people are with Diri. He is the sitting governor and now the leader of the Ijaw Nation. The people have accepted his move to the APC for the sake of progress,” Obriki stated.
He maintained that Ekeremor would not back down in its demand for the Senate seat in 2027 and dismissed Dickson’s political influence, saying, “He has never won an election without help — Jonathan made him House of Reps member and governor, Diri made him senator. But this time, we will defend our right to produce the next senator.”
Obriki concluded by urging Dickson to remain in the PDP or any other party of his choice and allow the APC to chart a new course under Diri’s leadership.
“We are praying that Dickson does not cross over to the APC. Let him stay where he is and test his popularity. The people of Ekeremor are ready to reclaim what rightfully belongs to them by 2027,” he said.