Deceased mother was integral part of my life journey, says Dickson

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has described his late mother, Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson, as an integral part of his journey in life.

He stated this in a brief remark at the solemn service organised by the state government at the Governor’s Lodge in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The governor said the late Goldcoast, popularly called Mama Gogo was more than just a mother.

She died on August 8, 2018 at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, Texas in the United States of America.

He said: “My mother has been an integral part of my journey. She was not just my mother, but she was my elder sister, my rock, counselor and guardian angel.

The governor explained that in January, his late mother complained of pain in the leg, which was later discovered at the Bayelsa Diagnostic Centre to be cancer.

He thanked the state for the outpouring of genuine grief and called for prayers for the family, especially during this trying period.

Dickson, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, equally expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari and his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo.

He said Buhari “took time off his vacation in the United Kingdom to personally call to condole with me and offer prayers for my mother and family.

He also thanked former heads of state and presidents of Nigeria, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, for personally calling and writing to condole with them.

Dickson lauded the show of sympathy by his colleagues and fellow governors, as well as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He thanked Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.

Others include serving and former leadership of the National Assembly, his deputy, other government functionaries, monarchs, groups and several other associations.