Dickson ,Ex-Militant Leaders Clash Over Peace Day Celebration

Yenagoa — The refusal of Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, to mark the Peace Day festival of the state, is generating bad blood between him and ex-militant leaders, Daily Independent has gathered.

The Peace Day is usually celebrated on August 22 every year to commemorate the day ex-militants from the state gathered at the Peace Park, Yenagoa, to surrender their arms and ammunition.

The disarmament which led to the return of peace in the Niger Delta region was in compliance with the amnesty for the Niger Delta militants proclaimed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

Militant leaders from the state were said to have submitted the largest cache of arms and ammunition in the region on August 22, 2009.

While the former governor of the state, Timipre Sylva, was said to have celebrated the day religiously before leaving office, the administration of Dickson has reportedly shown indisposition towards the Peace Day.

Investigation showed that the previous Peace Day was spectacular as colourful Peace Walk, Miss Peace Beauty Pageant were among the activities even as notable ex-militant leaders from the region were recognized.

It was gathered that efforts by the ex-militant leaders to get the present government to honour the Peace Day had hit a brick wall.

Sources said the ex-creek warlords were not happy that Dickson had not organised the annual celebration since he became the governor of the state in 2012.

Some notable ex-militant leaders from the state are Ebikabowei Victor Ben (Boyloaf), Eris Paul (Oguboss), Pastor Reuben and General Africa.

It was learnt that the ex-militant leaders were particularly not finding it funny as they had vowed that the development could jeorpadise the governor's second term bid.

An impeccable source close to the ex-creek warlords said they were wondering why the governor had been hosting all kinds of international events while refusing to mark the Peace Day.

The source said, "The Peace Day is significant in the history of the state, Niger Delta and Nigeria. The historic disarmament exercise on August 22, 2009 at the Peace Park was not a mere charade of fanfare.

"We are not happy that the governor has ignored this important day since he came into office.

"We observe that the state has wasted a lot of MONEY on international events while at the same time ignoring our home-grown celebrations.

"Dickson should demonstrate that he is a grassroot politician by identifying with our local celebration, otherwise, we may be forced to reconsider our support for him".

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