National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, CON, has expressed 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 what he described as the ongoing effort to safeguard Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Dickson said he had not returned home for the past eight months after attending the funeral of a former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State in January. He explained that he returned to Abuja, where he founded the NDC and built the party “block by block” with the support of well-meaning Nigerians, party candidates, and political allies, particularly the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
According to Dickson, the NDC has now emerged as Nigeria’s largest opposition party.
He first thanked God Almighty, “from whom all blessings and strength flow,” before expressing appreciation to party officials at all levels and Nigerians across political divides for their confidence, trust, and prayers.
The former Bayelsa governor also extended special appreciation to the people of Bayelsa West, whom he represents in the Senate, as well as the people of Bayelsa State, the Ijaw Nation, and Nigerians nationwide for their steadfast support.
Dickson stressed that Nigeria’s democracy and multi-party system must be protected. He said the party was currently confronting what he described as “legal, contrived shenanigans by anti-democratic forces,” expressing confidence that the judiciary would uphold the rule of law and resist any attempt to undermine democracy.
Despite his prolonged absence from Bayelsa, Dickson said he had watched with “immense pride and satisfaction” as people from different backgrounds continued to register, join, and actively participate in the affairs of the NDC.
He also referred to individuals he claimed he had supported politically over the years but who allegedly turned against him by using the machinery of government to remove people from office, victimise citizens, spread propaganda, and repay goodwill with what he described as “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,” Dickson said. “Despite it all, you have persevered. You have remained resolute, and you have not buckled.”
The senator said his enduring legacy would be the courage to stand by principles and convictions rather than personal gain, appointments, or comfort. He added that every government must remain accountable to the people, stressing that governments are servants—not masters.
Dickson announced that he would return to Bayelsa in the coming weeks alongside the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, to meet supporters and personally appreciate them for their loyalty.
He urged supporters to embrace what he described as “non-violent politics” centred on ideas rather than intimidation or violence.
The NDC leader also warned that those who rely on intimidation, abuse of state institutions, and violence would ultimately fail. He said the party would mobilise young people, women, community leaders, and other stakeholders to resist political violence, defend democracy, and protect the sanctity of the ballot.
“Together, we shall continue to defend democracy, deepen our multi-party system, and build a Bayelsa and a Nigeria founded on justice, freedom, accountability, the rule of law, and free and fair elections,” he said.
Dickson further commended the Bayelsa West Caucus, party leaders, state executives, women and youth leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders for remaining steadfast despite hardship.
“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 career, Dickson said he had survived false allegations, investigations, and intimidation over nearly two decades in public service while delivering lasting developmental projects despite governing Bayelsa through one of Nigeria’s most challenging economic periods.
“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, nor has He travelled.
He remains on His throne, watching, recording, and laughing at the actions of petty, wicked, and ungrateful men.”
Dickson concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon the NDC, Bayelsa State, and Nigeria.
