The senatorial ambition of the immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, gathered momentum Thursday, as the forum of the ex-Agitators, Presidential Amnesty Phase II, threw its weight behind his bid.

Mr. Dickson, 54, who is aspiring for the Bayelsa West Senatorial seat vacated by incumbent Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was extolled for his antecedents as a strong proponent of the Ijaw cause.

“We are supporting Chief Dickson because he believes in the defence of the Ijaw interest. He is a nationalist who is keen on protecting the Ijaw interest. He is one person that is committed to the desire to move the Ijaw nation forward”, Mr. Aso Tambo, chairman of the forum told newsmen earlier today in Toru-Orua, Sagbama — the hometown of the former governor.

Mr. Tambo urged all ex-agitators to resist being used by desperate politicians to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the October 31 Central and West senatorial districts by-election.

While lamenting the chaotic conduct of preceding elections in the state, he admonished the Federal Government and security agencies to collaborate with the ex-agitators in ensuring a peaceful electioneering exercise.

“Wherever election is taking place in Bayelsa West Senatorial District and also Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, we are working to ensure that the votes count. They should vote their interest, and the right to vote and the votes must be protected”, Tambo said.

“We are also using this opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government and security agencies to work with us, and we will also work with them to ensure that there is a peaceful and credible election come October 31, 2020.”

The Gazette learnt that the ex-agitators forum, comprising 6,166 former militants, was granted an amnesty by the Umaru Yar’Adua administration.

This article was sponsored by Mr. Dickson’s campaign. See our editorial policy to learn more about how we treat commercial content.