Former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, has called for the restoration of the ideals and values that once shaped Nigeria’s political culture.
Dickson, who spoke at a reunion of former Alliance for Democracy leaders and associates in Abuja, said politics in the past was driven more by conviction, sacrifice and public service than personal financial interests.
He recalled that members of the old political movement often made personal sacrifices and used their resources to support candidates and strengthen the party.
According to him, the success recorded by the Alliance for Democracy in the South-West despite limited resources showed the power of ideology, commitment and grassroots mobilisation.
Dickson expressed concern that the sacrifices of Nigerians who contributed to the country’s democratic development were gradually being forgotten.
He urged politicians to return to politics based on principles, saying leaders should support government policies that benefit the people and oppose those that are harmful, regardless of political affiliations.
He identified true federalism, constitutional democracy, restructuring, equitable resource distribution and environmental justice as some of the ideals that should continue to guide Nigeria’s political development.
Dickson said the reunion was also aimed at preserving the history of the old political movement and reconnecting former activists, while exploring how their experiences and ideals could help address Nigeria’s present political challenges.
