By Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson
I wish to commence this heartfelt appreciation by giving all the glory to the Almighty God who is the source of all political power.
I thank members of my family for the sacrifice, the amazing support and for standing by me throughout the electioneering period.
My heart goes out to the good people of Bayelsa West for keeping faith in me and trusting me with this highly respected political position to represent and defend the collective interest of our people, Bayelsa State and the Ijaw nation.
It is heartwarming to note that so many of our members and supporters have again voluntarily made the sacrifice to travel all the way from Bayelsa to be part of my inauguration a few days ago. To say that I am grateful is an understatement.
Apart from the few party and campaign leaders who came, we never extended any invitation because of the the difficulties, associated with traveling. We have the issue of insecurity on the roads, increased Christmas traffic and the recent spike of COVID 19 in the country especially Abuja. However, we appreciate the people who managed to attend this event on their own in spite of these challenges.
To the several others, our teeming supporters and leaders back home, let me use this opportunity to say that you should not be bothered. We intend to do an appreciation dinner for all our supporters, party members and leaders, women, youth groups, traditional rulers and all supporters who have been part of this journey, some time in the nearest future on a date that would be communicated to them.
For the purpose of emphasis, we did not want a massive party in Abuja because of the disturbing resurgence of COVID 19.
We thank every one for the outpouring of support and solidarity.
We thank the State Governor, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, who was ably represented by the wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Gloria Diri, both for my own inauguration and that of the Senator for the Central, Senator Moses Cleopas. My gratitude also goes to all members of the State House of Assembly, Senior Party officials, local government chairmen and others who graced the occasion.
I also thank all Nigerian leaders across the political divide too
numerous to mention for their congratulatory messages, telephone calls and best wishes.
My profound gratitude goes to the State Chairman of the PDP, the State Executive Committee, the Director General and members of the Campaign Council, the elders, the secretaries and coordinators of local governments, wards, Communities, our agents and all who played one form of role or the other.
May I also appreciate my brother, and friend, the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, and the members of the National Working Committee for their confidence and continuing trust in my judgment when we initiated the tough political process that has resulted in this inauguration.
My gratitude goes to all Bayelsans, the Ijaw nation and all men of goodwill for their moral support and prayers
I wish to assure you that I am irrevocably committed to the cause of our people and will take advantage of all opportunities to highlight the core issues of restructuring, environmental justice, law and order, justice and police reforms in the interest of our people and the collective good of Nigerians
Thank you.