By BONIFACE AKARAH

A planned thank-you visit by former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, to Angalabiri Community has triggered a political dispute, with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) accusing the Bayelsa State Government of organising a counter-rally at the same location.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026, by Mr Gabriel Ukuta, Coordinator of Ofurumapepe Media, who said Dickson was scheduled to visit the community on Saturday, November 7, to thank residents and interact with them.

According to Ukuta, officials of the Bayelsa State Government, identified as Dr Peter Akpe and Hon Lucky Youbougha, organised what he described as an “emergency counter-rally” in Angalabiri ahead of Dickson’s visit.

He alleged that the development was part of a broader pattern by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state government to organise rival political activities whenever the NDC holds engagements in the state.

“However, it is disturbing that, on the eve of this planned visit, officials of the Bayelsa State Government, Dr. Peter Akpe and Hon. Lucky Youbougha, have organized an emergency counter-rally in the same community, apparently to undermine and counter Dickson’s scheduled engagement,” Ukuta said.

The NDC media coordinator alleged that similar incidents occurred during the party’s previous political activities in Yenagoa and other parts of the state, claiming that counter-programmes were organised at Oxbow Lake, Swali and other locations.

“Now, the same disturbing pattern is being extended to Angalabiri, where an ordinary thank-you visit is being turned into an unnecessary political contest,” he said.

Ukuta questioned the reason for what he described as government apprehension over Dickson’s engagement with the community, asking whether political competition had become so contentious that even a thank-you visit had to be countered with a rally.

The statement warned that organising rival political activities at the same location and around the same time could create tension and increase the risk of confrontation.

“What exactly is the fear? Why should a peaceful engagement with the people become a source of apprehension for those in government? Is political competition now so threatening that even a thank-you visit must be countered with an emergency rally?” the statement asked.

Ukuta also contrasted the alleged conduct of the present administration with Dickson’s tenure as governor, claiming that his administration allowed opposition parties to use government facilities and provided security for their political activities.

“Senator Dickson, as Governor of Bayelsa state gave out government facilities: Stadium, Oxbow Lake Pavilion and even provided security for opposition parties to do their rallies. Unfortunately, for the past seven years it’s been pettiness and fake glory in the state,” he said.

The NDC accused the government of political obstruction and called for restraint, urging the authorities to prioritise the safety of residents of Angalabiri over partisan interests.

The party said it would proceed with Dickson’s thank-you visit as planned and insisted that political engagement should not be replaced by intimidation or confrontation.

“The NDC will not be distracted from engaging the people. Political intimidation cannot replace democratic persuasion, and government power should never be deployed to suppress political competition,” Ukuta said.

He added that “Bayelsa belongs to all of us” and urged political actors to respect citizens’ right to associate with and listen to political parties of their choice.