PROPOSED NATIONAL DIALOGUE: BAYELSA CONSTITUTES ELDERS FORUM TO ARTICULATE ITS POSITION

Bayelsa State Government is to constitute a high-powered Elders Consultative Forum to enable the State prepare adequately for the proposed national dialogue. Governor Seriake Dickson made the announcement in Yenagoa at a dinner party organised by the State government as part of activities marking the nation’s 53 rd independence and 17 th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa at Government house in Yenagoa.

Commending President Goodluck Jonathan for always responding to reasonable concerns of well-meaning Nigerians, the Governor noted that the convocation of the dialogue would promote national cohesion and stability.

On the rationale behind setting up the Forum, Governor Dickson explained that the proposed Forum will among other responsibilities collate the divergent views of the State on matters of critical interest to the people as well as ensure that Bayelsans speak with one voice without jeopardizing the peaceful co-existence of the country.

“Very soon we will have the need to assemble our elders to formally set up the Elders Consultative Forum, and to provide another platform for interaction. “You are aware of the unfolding scenario at the national level which is positive.

This Tuesday morning our President, leader and brother, who is flying the flag of the country so very well announced the intention of the Federal Government to hold a dialogue of the peoples of this great nation, and we commend that initiative. And so, in the course of this week, I will begin the mechanism for putting our elders together so that our representatives will be able to interact and compare notes with you which we will be forwarded at the appropriate time in that respect.’

Describing Nigeria as a land with endless potentials and opportunities, Hon Dickson renewed his call on Nigerians to work together in harmony irrespective of their political and religious differences for the greater good of the nation.

While thanking Bayelsans for their support and prayers, the Governor reassured them of his administration’s commitment to build a new Bayelsa ‘’where its people are bonded together by a sense of brotherhood and unity.’’

Dignitaries at the event include the State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah Retired, first civilian Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and first military Governor of old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff. Others were former military administrator of Ebonyi and Delta states, Retired Navy Capt. Walter Feghabo-Amain, the Chairman Fiduciary Board, Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC), Prof. Lawrence Ekpebu, Professor Emeritus Ebiegberi Joe-Alagoa and the State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri.

Also in attendance include serving and former members of the National Assembly including one time Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Ghali Na’abba, former Governor of old Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife and Chairman of the State council of traditional rulers, King Godwin Igodo.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
02/10/2013