Dickson laments killing of soldiers by pirates

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has lamented the killing of soldiers by suspected sea pirates along Bayelsa waterways.
Six soldiers were killed recently by suspected sea pirates in Sancta Barbara River and Azagbene community, Nembe and Ekeremor local government areas of the state respectively.

Speaking while reacting to the increasing wave of sea piracy in the state during a phone-in progamme monitored on Royal FM Radio station, Governor Dickson said he was pained each time he had to write a condolence letter to the commanders of the soldiers.
According to him, no government since the inception of Bayelsa State has tackled the issue of insecurity like his government through massive investments in security.
He said the Bayelsa State Police command security outfit; Operation Doo Akpo has been able to stem the tide of crime in the state.
Dickson noted that though the recent strike by the Maritime Workers Union was to draw attention to the happenings on the waterways, the blame game would not solve the problem.
“We are a government of law and order, If there is any government that has protected lives and property in Bayelsa State, it is the Restoration Government. But it is not possible to have an ideal security order. We have made massive investments in security. Like the security people being killed, it pains me each time I am to sign a condolence letter to their commanders,
“The point I am making is that in the area of crime, blaming one another would not solve the problem,” he said.
What we need is to continue to collaborate with the security agencies to give them information about
how the criminals get arms, ammunition, and funds. We have identified Brass, Southern Ijaw, and
Ekeremor as areas we need to make massive investments in security and if not for the dwindling
finances of the state, we would have acquired more gunboats to the 25 we already have.”
On the relationship between himself and the first family, Dickson said he enjoyed an excellent
relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he said was proud of the achievements of his
government within three years.
He described Jonathan as his leader and elder brother, stressing that his duty as Governor of
Bayelsa State and a junior brother was to mobilize Bayelsans to support the re-election bid of the
President.
Dickson stated that he would not allow any distractions to make him lose focus to provide support
for the President.
“There is no strain whatsoever and we would not allow that. I am one of the dependable pillars of
support for Mr President,” he said.