Jonathan, other leaders deserve respect —Bayelsa gov

Former and retired leaders in this country deserve to be treated with respect and be given a fair treatment, even as the private citizen that they have now become.

Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson disclosed this at a parley with a section of the media in Abuja, at the weekend.

Apparently referring to the running battle between the government and former President Goodluck Jonathan and his family, the governor noted that the perception of some of the policies of the present government were selected and targeted at some persons and sections, warning that this was inimical to the success of a number of the reforms of government.

According to him, “it might  just be a perception or probably it is not real, but you see, perception is also as important as reality that should be addressed.

“Let us see how things play out, there should be less sensationalism, let us see facts if there are issues.

“I think this country, with time, will appreciate the kind of sacrifice and service the Jonathan presidency and Jonathan as a person made. He tried his best and particularly in the area of application of public authority, he never used authority to harass or intimidate any person or group. You can see what is happening in The Gambia now, they are in crisis.

“I think I am someone who believes that leaders should be respected generally. We can disagree and, in fact, we need to disagree more and agree in the common national interest, but in doing so, we treat one another with respect.”

He said nation building was all about making sacrifices and  learning  from mistakes.

“Our leaders are not perfect, no leader is perfect,  including me. So what is important is respect for one another, tolerance and then if there are issues, those issues need to be handled by the appropriate institutions, that way, you address these perceptions which might not even be real,” he said.

He disclosed that members were all concerned about development in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying  “personally, as chairman of the reconciliation committee and as someone who interacts with the leadership of our party from across this country,  there are indications that very soon, with the efforts of the top leaders of the party, we will soon have some way forward, as these are all normal challenges. It is a process of self-discovery.”

The governor disclosed that they had selected 200 communities in Bayelsa State, specifically in two local governments for which it would provide water.

He added that he wanted  a situation that within the next three years, every community, no matter how small, would have access to safe drinking water.