Group Tackles NDPA, Reaffirms Lokpobiri’s Commitment to Zoning Agreement Between Ekeremor and Sagbama
A political group, the Rescue Mission Youth Vanguard (RMYV), has dismissed as baseless and a smear campaign the recent allegations by the Niger Delta Peace Advocates (NDPA), which accused Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), of orchestrating a campaign of calumny against Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, former Governor of Bayelsa State and current Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
In a statement signed by Egoli Egoli, Director General of the Rescue Mission Youth Vanguard, the group described the allegations as “unfounded” and condemned what it called a “disgraceful act of political blackmail,” urging all well-meaning citizens to reject such divisive tactics.
The statement read in part:
> “It is important to reiterate that the two sister local government areas—Ekeremor and Sagbama—have a longstanding gentleman’s agreement on political representation. According to this understanding, the Senate and House of Representatives seats alternate between the two LGAs.”
The group emphasized that Senator Dickson, a key advocate of this zoning arrangement, is expected to honor the same principle he once championed by withdrawing from the upcoming Senate race in the spirit of equity and statesmanship.
The statement further recalled:
> “Historically, during his tenure as Governor, Senator Dickson actively worked to block Senator Lokpobiri from securing a third term in the Senate by supporting a Sagbama candidate, Senator Foster Ogola, in 2015. It is, therefore, disappointing to witness attempts by certain individuals—lacking credibility—to undermine those who have contributed meaningfully to the development of Bayelsa West.”
Highlighting Senator Lokpobiri’s public service record, the group said:
> “Senator Lokpobiri’s achievements—both as a former Senator and now as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources—are well-documented. His leadership has significantly advanced Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, increasing investor confidence and driving reform.”
The Rescue Mission Youth Vanguard urged Senator Dickson to respect the rotational agreement as Ekeremor had done in the past and to allow the principles of fairness and mutual respect to guide political decisions moving forward.
> “For the avoidance of doubt, the entire membership of the Rescue Mission Youth Vanguard stands firmly in support of the zoning arrangement between Ekeremor and Sagbama,” the statement concluded. “It is our position that Ekeremor should produce the next Senator, while Sagbama should retain the House of Representatives seat.”
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