Dickson Reveals How He Helped Didi Walson-Jack Escape ‘Destructive Politics’ in Bayelsa

Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has revealed how he helped Dame Didi Walson-Jack navigate political challenges and advance her career in public service.

Dickson made the disclosure while speaking at the book presentation and birthday celebration marking Walson-Jack’s retirement from public service.

Reflecting on their years of working together, Dickson said Walson-Jack served as Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General when he was Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, adding that they worked together to strengthen the state’s Ministry of Justice.

He said that while serving in the House of Representatives, he deliberately sought opportunities to advance Walson-Jack’s career and shield her from what he described as “petty and often self-destructive politics” in Bayelsa State.

According to Dickson, the political environment at the time posed a threat to her career, prompting him to seek the intervention of then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

“When she completed her service at NIPSS, we agreed to remove her from certain petty and destructive politics at the time in Bayelsa, which was a threat to her career, as we feared she could have been dismissed or retired before her time.”

Dickson said Jonathan subsequently approved Walson-Jack’s secondment and transfer to the Federal Civil Service, a move she accepted despite being transferred at a lower grade.

He recalled that when he later became governor of Bayelsa State, he again approached Jonathan to release Walson-Jack on secondment to serve in his administration.

Dickson said he deliberately selected her as part of the team he assembled to reorganise the state and implement his administration’s development agenda.

He disclosed that although his initial plan was to appoint Walson-Jack as Chief of Staff, he created the position of Deputy Chief of Staff for her.

“Dame Didi Walson-Jack worked with me as Deputy Chief of Staff, although my initial intention had been to appoint her Chief of Staff.”

Dickson also recalled appointing Walson-Jack as Commissioner for Science and Technology, a ministry he established to help Bayelsa State catch up with the information and communications technology revolution.

He said he entrusted her with the responsibility of designing and awarding the Computer and ICT Village project, which was later slowed by the economic recession.

Dickson expressed satisfaction that the project had since been completed, while urging that it be effectively utilised for the purpose for which it was established.

The former governor described Walson-Jack’s career as a testament to the importance of investing in education and creating opportunities for competent professionals to contribute to public service.