DICKSON CALLS FOR EXPANSION OF NAVAL COMMAND IN BAYELSA

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has urged the Nigerian Navy to expand its operations to cover the Agge axis in the Ekeremor Local Government Area by establishing a Forward Operating Base, (FOB), just as he warned political office holders against undermining the contributions of security operatives in the sustenance of peace and national development.

The establishment of a Forward Operations Base in the Agge area, according to the Governor has become imperative due to the nefarious activities of sea pirates and oil thieves on the waterways.

Governor Dickson, who made the plea on Thursday when the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa, called for an increased presence of the Nigerian Navy in the area where the proposed deep sea port is to be sited.

Expressing Government’s preparedness to partner with the Nigerian Navy through the provision of infrastructure and improved capacity of the officers, Hon. Dickson said already budgetary provisions have been made in next year’s appropriation bill to set up small bases in the western flank of the State to complement the efforts of the Navy towards checking inter-State banditry as well as the incidence of sea piracy, crude oil theft, illegal refineries and other criminal activities.

“As a matter of fact, in our budget estimate for next year, we have plans working with you people to set up small bases to assist you in increasing your capacity at Formoso at the western flank and also see how the Chief of Army Staff and yourself can work together to ensure that we have some presence of the Nigerian Navy by way of a Forward Operating Base at Agge area, which is the western flank.

“So I will call for that collaboration. The Government of Bayelsa State is prepared to make our own contribution if there are areas we can contribute in terms of increasing your capacities and infrastructure in that Formoso area.

“Our thinking is that once we support you at the western flank and the eastern flank where you already have a base, we will be able to combat inter-State banditry and sea piracy.

Commending the Chief of the Naval Staff for the innovations being introduced in the Navy, he expressed optimism that such measures would curb cases of infringement on the State’s territorial waters particularly crude oil theft.

The Governor also lauded the Navy for offering to collaborate with the State Government on the establishment of the Maritime academy towards the realization of the project.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba had said he was in the State to assess operational structures as well as evaluate requirements in the Cape Formoso and the new intension to create a ‘Type A’ base in Brass.

He said this innovation was relevant in the face of the dynamics of the security challenges in the country, adding that it was necessary to be proactive rather than reactionary in tackling security problems.

Vice Admiral Ezeoba also pointed out that, the Nigerian Navy has acquired Camp Porbeni as its permanent site for the Central Naval Command.

In a related development, Governor Dickson has called on political office holders not to undermine the contributions of the security agencies towards sustaining, peace, democracy and national development.

Speaking at an end-of-year dinner organized in honour of security agencies in the State, he noted that apart from protecting the territorial integrity, security personnel played a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s democracy.

According to him, “while a lot of people in this position may not appreciate the constitutional role of the security leaders, for me, they are not just security people because of the vast experience they have. It is not easy to rise up to be a General or its equivalent; it is not easy to be a State Director of Security or Commissioner of Police, Immigration comptroller etc.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
19/12/2013

BAYELSA GOVT POSTS N23.8BN AT THE END OF NOVEMBER, 2013

Bayelsa State Government has declared N23.8 billion as balance of funds in its coffers at the end of November 2013.

Analyzing the State’s income and expenditure for the months of October and November at the monthly transparency briefing on Tuesday, the State Deputy Governor, retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah explained that the amount include N12. 3bn and N11.6bn savings for the months of October and November respectively.

The gross inflow for the month of October, according to the Deputy Governor stood at N14.593bn out of which, statutory allocation was N2.585bn, NNPC, N233 million, 13% derivation N10.105bn, VAT 616m, 231. SURE-P, N1bn 52m and there were no funds from the Excess Crude and augmentation.

He added that the deductions from FAAC was N2.7bn and it included bond deductions N1.2bn, foreign loans to the State gulped N12.6m, while refund of overpayment of revised 13% derivation indices from August 2008 to December 2009 amounted to N187.8m.

Also, one per cent of the statutory allocation amounting to N25.8million was deducted to the Police Fund while net inflow from FAAC was N12.2bn, he submitted.

On the outflow, he pointed out that bank loan repayment accounted for N3.8bn, while total expenditure stood at N9.8bn with salaries of civil servants gulping N3.985bn while that of political appointees amounted to N434 million in addition to the monthly overhead payment, which took N1.166bn.

For November, he said the State received statutory allocation of N2.5bn, while derivation was N8.7bn, VAT N11.9million, SURE-P, N1.4bn, Excess Crude N4.5bn, and NNPC refund to the State was N233.2million.

Gross Inflow according to him, stood at N17.67bn which was an improvement on the previous month.

Total deductions from FAAC stood at N2.7bn made up of bond deduction N1.2bn, loans to the State, N12.6million, overpayment on derivation is N188million and N25million for Police Fund among others.

The Deputy Governor gave N9.1bn as total outflow for November comprising bank loan repayment of N3.1bn, salaries of civil servants N4.2bn, political appointees emoluments N432million and monthly overhead payment of N1.2bn.

According to him, balance from October FAAC and SURE_P amounted to N7.8bn while total payments for the period stood at N8.4bn comprising recurrent of N3.1bn and capital payment of N5.2bn.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
18/12/2013

DICKSON PROPOSES N299.2BN BUDGET FOR 2014

The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has proposed a N299.2bn appropriation bill comprising N162.5bn Recurrent expenditure and N136.7bn Capital expenditure for the 2014 fiscal year as against N304.05bn passed into law by the State House of Assembly in 2013.

Presenting the appropriation bill to the State House of Assembly on Tuesday in Yenagoa, the Governor said the bill would be financed from a total revenue projection of N282.6bn and capital receipts of N16.5bn.

Tagged “Budget of Further Consolidation”, Hon. Dickson who restated his commitment to diversification from Oil and Gas sector in his estimation said the budget revenue profile consists of Statutory Allocation of N262.7bn, Value Added Tax; N7.8bn, Internal Generated Revenue; N12.2bn and Capital Receipts of N26.7bn.

On the estimated expenditures of N299.2bn, the breakdown, according to the Governor includes; Personnel cost; N39.003bn, Overhead cost; N51.5bn, Consolidated Revenue Charges; N58.8bn, Human Capital Development; N13.3bn and Capital expenditure; N146.7bn.

The budget which is aimed at completing all the massive infrastructural projects being embarked upon and stimulate agricultural and industrial production, according to the Governor would be private sector driven.

In his Sectoral analysis, Works and Infrastructure top the chart with a budget proposal of N40.005bn, Agriculture sector; N6.98bn, Education sector; N26.9bn and Human Capital Development; N13.3bn.

Other sectors include; Health; N7.5bn, Public Utilities; N7.7bn, Sports Development; N4.1bn, Social Development and Women Empowerment N1.6bn, Information and Communications, N2.1bn, Trade and Industry; N1.2bn, Tourism, N2.34bn, Transport, N3.7bn, Housing and Urban Development, N2.5bn and Ministry of State Capital Development, N2.96bn.

On budget implementation and monitoring of projects, the Governor stressed the need for budget discipline, adding that in compliance with the National chart of accounts, MDAs are required to adhere strictly to approved budget provisions in the 2014 financial year.

His words, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning through the State Budget Office is hereby directed to ensure the realization of this lofty target. I demand quarterly reports in this regard. In addition, the Due Process bureau and the Directorate of Project Monitoring must work in concert to ensure that all the projects slated for completion are completed on schedule.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
17/12/2013

DICKSON SIGNS N42.2BN SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET INTO LAW

The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has signed into law a 2013 supplementary budget of N42.2bn after its passage by the legislative arm of Government.

The budget is aimed at covering the expenditure that were not covered in the main budget.

Commending the legislators for their understanding and cooperation, the Governor disclosed that the 2014 appropriation bill would be presented to the House next week.

He, therefore, expressed optimism that the bill when presented would be given speedy passage to enable Government actualize its developmental programmes.

Presenting the bill for Governor’s assent, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson said the bill is made up N13.642bn recurrent expenditure and N28.52bn capital expenditure.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
12/12/2013

THANK YOU TOUR: GOV DICKSON SALUTES BAYELSANS FOR WARM RECEPTION

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has described the warm reception accorded him and his entourage during the Thank-You-Tour of the State as an expression of the tacit support the Chiefs and people of the State has for the Restoration Administration.

The Governor, who stated this in a Government House statement, was full of gratitude to the various LGA Chairmen, Traditional Rulers’ Councils, the women, the youths and the entire people for their massive turn-out in all the communities and Local Government Areas that were visited.

Hon. Dickson also commended the Traditional institutions for the various Chieftaincy titles conferred on him, his deputy and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, noting that, it was a clear show of appreciation for the modest achievements of the administration just under two years in office. According to him, the action of the people will serve as a big morale booster for him and other officers of the Government to even do more for the State.

While, thanking the people, he equally reassured them of the administration’s preparedness to remain focused in the implementation of its Restoration agenda to the latter, stressing that policies and programmes that can change the landscape of the State and impact positively on the lives of the people will remain the hallmarks of the administration.

He also urged beneficiaries of the Women Empowerment scheme to make judicious use of the funds, while assuring the Youths of Government’s resolve to introduce similar programmes for them with a view to making them more useful to themselves and the society. Governor Dickson also used the opportunity to call on the entire people of the State to remain supportive to the Government, adding the administration means well for the people.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
15/12/2013

GOV DICKSON ATTRIBUTES HITCH FREE THANK YOU TOUR OF LGAs AS A MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S BLESSINGS

The State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson has described the successful completion of his thank-you-tour to the eight Local Government Areas as a manifestation of God’s manifold blessings upon his life and the State.

Governor Dickson stated this while speaking at this month’s edition of the monthly praise night organised by the State Government at Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area of the State.

Describing the tour as historic and accident-free, Chief Dickson expressed delight and thankfulness to God, noting that he saw the involvement of God from the beginning of the programme to its conclusion. The Governor, who expressed his happiness with the songs of praise, said he cannot thank God enough considering the blessings he receives from the Lord on a daily basis.

A grateful Governor Dickson also used the opportunity to appreciate the Clergy, Chiefs and people of the State for their prayers and support, urging detractors to turn a new leaf and join the restoration team in building Bayelsa to an enviable height. In a brief exhortation titled “Purposeful Praise and Worship”, the General Overseer of the Liberation Power Ministry, General Stephen Odede described effective praise as a potent weapon of war against adversarial forces. Making reference to the biblical Jehoshaphat; General Odede emphasized the need for Christians to imbibe the spirit of praise in order to move God’s hand for victory over their enemies and experience increased blessings.

The Wife of the Governor, Dr. Rachael Dickson read the only lesson at the service which featured gospel artistes such as Rev. Fyneman Meshack, Elder Dempster and Brother Abraham of King of Glory Chapel gospel band. The praise and worship night service was attended by Government functionaries, and the Clergy, including the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, Senior Apostle Israel Ege, Bishop Ebi Belepeigha and the Chaplain of the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Rev. Dotimi Egbegi. The King of Glory Chapel Choir and their Sagbama Restoration Mass counterparts participated at the praise night.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
5/12/2013

GOV DICKSON SUSPENDS NINE TEACHERS FOR DERELICTION OF DUTY

Nine teaching staff of Community Secondary School, Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have been suspended for dereliction of duty by Governor Seriake Dickson.

The affected teachers;Tenkiri Pere, Cornet Akpoaresine, Folorunso Funso, Berepigi Tiko, Ebenibo Richard, Zuokumor Erica and Lobia Clara were not at their duty posts during the Governor’s unscheduled visit to the school

Expressing dismay over the attitude of some teachers in the State to duty, Hon. Dickson said his administration would not condone any acts of lawlessness as he ordered the immediate suspension of the affected teachers pending the outcome of the findings of a disciplinary panel

According to him, the present administration will not condone any acts of indiscipline, stressing the premium it places on the education sector.

"Anybody found wanting in the discharge of his or her official function will be shown the exit door.

"The suspension of the affected teachers will put their likes on their toes noting this administration’s seriousness and resolve to address the rot in our educational system.

"Too often teachers in our various schools, especially those in the communities have a record of not showing up in classrooms to carry out work for which they are being paid to do.

"The same is true for nurses and doctors who are employed to provide medical services in our communities. We will no longer condone this wanton negligence of duty going on in the State civil service."

The Governor paid an unscheduled visit to the school during his thank you tour to Ekeremor Local Government Area of the State.

Earlier, the Principal of the school, Mr. Ebinabo Emomotimi had lauded the developmental strides of the present administration, especially in the education sector, submitting that it has further reposition the State for a better future. He said the school recently took delivery of free text books as promised by the State Government.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
14/12/2013

2015: DICKSON WARNS YOUTHS AGAINST HOOLIGANISM, POLITICAL VIOLENCE

As the nation warms up for the conduct of general elections in 2015, the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has warned youths against being used as canon folders to forment trouble by selfish politicians, advising them to take education seriously with a view to increasing their capacities in self development.

Speaking during a state-wide thank you tour to Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Hon. Dickson said the era of bloodletting and political brigandage were passed, noting that, the present peaceful atmosphere and various youth empowerment programmes put in place by the present administration are intended to impact positively on them.

Warning the political class against playing politics with the lives of the people, especially youths, Hon. Dickson said, it was high time people learnt to play politics of development and restoration.

According to him,’ any politician who wants to use you to perpetrate political violence and hooliganism because his/her small ambition let him do so by setting you up in businesses, so that you can live a responsible life even after politics’.

He commended the people of the area for their support, especially in cooperating with Government to maintain peace and security and assured them of Government’s assistance in providing more basic amenities to increase the quality of lives in the area.

Presenting a cheque of N30m empowerment fund to the women in the area, the Governor said the gesture is aimed at making the women in the State to be self reliant.

Aside, the N30m revolving loan, the entire women in the State as disclosed by the Governor would benefit from the N370m Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs) grant.

He, therefore, called on the beneficiaries to take advantage of the soft loans provided by the Government, adding that aside making them to be self reliant, it will boost the economic profile of the State.

Hon. Dickson who noted that cooperatives societies would be formed to create skills for the youths, urged them to explore and tap the natural resources as well as other opportunities that abound in the State since Government alone cannot provide employment for all.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Mr. Iselema Gbaranbiri said his council had been complementing the development efforts of the State Government through the provision of an ultra modern market, improved power supply, ICT centre and distribution of education materials.

Commending the Governor for his exemplary leadership, he said the people have seen in him, the fulfillment of the Ijaw struggle given the developmental strides of his administration in less than two years in office.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

12/12/2013

BAYELSA STATE GOVT SETS 2015 FOR COMPLETION OF SAGBAMA/EKEREMOR ROAD

The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson on Thursday in Ekeremor, headquarters of Ekeremor Local Government Area set a 2015 deadline for the completion of the ongoing multi billion naira Sagbama-Ekeremor section of the Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge road in the West senatorial district of the State.

Disclosing this during a Thank you tour to the area, the Governor said opening up of the three senatorial districts has become imperative in view of the resolve of the present administration to attract local and foreign investors to the State.

Accompanied on the trip by his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, (retd), Hon. Dickson called for the support of the people at ensuring timely completion of the project.

Noting the relevance of the area to the economic growth of the State, especially the proposed Agge Deep Seaport, the Governor assured the people of the area of his administration’s support at ensuring that their dream come to reality.

Stressing the need for a crisis free society, Governor Dickson said this is the only way to attract foreign investors to the State and generate employment opportunities for the teeming youths in the State.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to zero tolerance for crime and criminality, theBayelsa State Chief Executive disclosed that in 2014, his administration will set up a crack taskforce to curtail the activities of pipeline vandals and illegal bunkering activities across the State.

He said anybody caught in the act of fomenting trouble irrespective of his/her status will be dealt with in accordance with the law, adding that, Bayelsa is no longer a safe haven for criminals.

“The era of bloodletting is over. Your government has invested so much on security. In no distant time, the government will launch the marine arm of the state security outfit code named, Operation Doo Akpor”

Calling on youths to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the present administration, Hon. Dickson said policies that are centred on youth empowerment will be unfolded in 2014.

He advised the beneficiaries of the women empowerment loan scheme to make judicious use of the fund, adding that it is not a dash but a revolving loan.

The Governor, who spoke on a wide range of issues, also announced Government’s plan to construct a befitting stadium in Ekeremor Town.

In his goodwill message, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, representing Bayelsa west senatorial district lauded the developmental strides of the present administration, submitting that in less than two years, Governor Dickson has transformed the State.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Council, Mr. Billy Tobuyei enumerated some achievements of the council to include construction landing jetties and completion of concrete walk-ways in some communities among others.

Governor Dickson and his deputy were also conferred with the Chieftancy titles of Ebikonbowei 1 and Keme-ekemi 1 of Ekeremor Local Government Area by the Traditional Rulers’ council led Pere Augustine Ebikeme, the Pere of Oporomor Kingdom.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

12/12/2013

DICKSON RESTATES COMMITMENT TO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson at the weekend restated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, as he rounded off a 2-week state-wide thank you tour with a visit to Sagbama Local Government Area of the State.

Speaking at a reception organized in his honour in Sagbama, the Governor who attributed his success in politics to God’s abiding grace and goodwill of the people advised the youth to take advantage of various empowerment programmes put in place by the present administration.

The Governor who was accompanied on the trip by his wife, Dr. Rachael Dickson, the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, leadership of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party in the State and a host of others, said his administration would not condone any acts of indiscipline, stating that the era of thuggery and political brigandage was over in the State.

He hinted that all necessary machinery has been put in place to deal decisively with anyone who runs foul of his administration’s policy of zero tolerance for crime and criminality.

According to him, for Bayelsa State to thrive economically and politically, “we need peace. I have said it times without number, this administration will not condone any act of indiscipline. Don’t allow selfish and office seeking politicians to use you as tools to destabilize the State.

Our youth are dear to us. This administration has put in place many empowerment programmes. Some of your colleagues just came back from Songhai in Port Novo, Benin Republic while others will be leaving for United States in January to further their studies at the Lincoln University.

Expressing gratitude to the chiefs and people of the area for the honour bestowed on him, especially the conferment of the chieftaincy titles of Ibe-Agurai and Ibe-tokoniowei of Tarakiri in Kumbowei kingdoms, the Governor re-assured them of his commitment to the development of not only the area, but the entire State as a whole.

Hon. Dickson recalled how his kith and kin voted him overwhelmingly twice to the Federal House of Representatives and as Governor in the 2012 election and, therefore, re-assured them of opening up the area for development in line with the present administration’s policy of decentralization.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
14/12/2013

GOV DICKSON READS RIOT ACT TO KIDNAPPERS, CULTISTS IN BAYELSA

The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson on Tuesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to zero tolerance for crime and criminality, warning the few criminal elements including cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and perpetrators of other related vices in the State to desist from such acts or incur the wrath of the law.

Condemning the resurgence of kidnapping in the Eastern senatorial district of the State during his ‘Thank You’ tour visit to the Yenagoa Local Government area of the State, Hon. Dickson said the State is no longer a haven of criminals.

Describing a crime free society as panacea to economic growth, Hon. Dickson bemoaned the security situation in the State prior to his assumption of office barely two years ago.

According to him, “investors were being scared of investing in the State as a result of the alarming crime rate then but today people can sleep with their two eyes closed as necessary security measures are being put in place by the present administration.

“Bayelsa is being adjudged as one of the most peaceful States in the country. Local and foreign investors have expressed willingness to partner with the State at ensuring rapid development of our Local economy.

The State is not ready to be drawn back by criminal elements, that is why I am calling on the landlords to work closely with the security agencies in fishing out the few criminal elements left in the State.

We want to attract people to the State. We want them to come and do business with us and the only way this can be done is through the creation of enabling environment.

We have a robust security agenda as you all know. So continue to talk your friends, brothers and sisters and all those you have as tenants. The few cultists and criminals that are left, warn them that Yenagoa will no longer be haven for criminals.

If you are a cultist and you don’t want to repent, leave Yenagoa. If you are an armed robber, kidnapper or a criminal of any description, Bayelsa is not a place for you to be.”

On infrastructural development, the Governor said his administration would consolidate on the gains of 2013 by constructing additional 15 internal roads in 2014.

However, he called for the understanding of the people as more structures would be pulled down in order to pave way for a befitting State capital.

He said necessary arrangements have been put in place at ensuring prompt payment of compensation to owners of the affected structures, warning the people against playing politics with the ongoing developmental strides in the State.

Governor Dickson, who decried comments being made concerning demolition of structures cautioned people not to politicize Government’s developmental efforts pointing out that his personal residence was one of the first properties pulled down in the State capital.

In a welcome address, the Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government, Hon. Chubby Ben-Walson praised Governor Dickson for transforming the State capital and carrying the people of the area along in the scheme of things.

Consequently, he announced the decision of stakeholders of the area endorsing the Governor for a second term in office and highlighted some of the achievements of the council to include award of projects in fifteen wards with contractors fully mobilized to sites.

Governor Dickson, who decried comments being made concerning demolition of structures cautioned people not to politicize government’s developmental efforts as his personal residence was one of the first properties pulled down in the state capital.

At the event, N45 million was disbursed for the three Rural Development Areas in Yenagoa Local Government while N370 million Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) was provided for women empowerment as grant.

In attendance were; the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, (retd), members of the National and State Assemblies, top government functionaries, captains of industry, renowned poet, Dr Gabriel Okara and host of others.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

11/12/2013

GOV DICKSON READS RIOT ACT TO KIDNAPPERS, CULTISTS IN BAYELSA

The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson on Tuesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to zero tolerance for crime and criminality, warning the few criminal elements including cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and perpetrators of other related vices in the State to desist from such acts or incur the wrath of the law.

Condemning the resurgence of kidnapping in the Eastern senatorial district of the State during his ‘Thank You’ tour visit to the Yenagoa Local Government area of the State, Hon. Dickson said the State is no longer a haven of criminals.

Describing a crime free society as panacea to economic growth, Hon. Dickson bemoaned the security situation in the State prior to his assumption of office barely two years ago.

According to him, “investors were being scared of investing in the State as a result of the alarming crime rate then but today people can sleep with their two eyes closed as necessary security measures are being put in place by the present administration.

“Bayelsa is being adjudged as one of the most peaceful States in the country. Local and foreign investors have expressed willingness to partner with the State at ensuring rapid development of our Local economy.

The State is not ready to be drawn back by criminal elements, that is why I am calling on the landlords to work closely with the security agencies in fishing out the few criminal elements left in the State.

We want to attract people to the State. We want them to come and do business with us and the only way this can be done is through the creation of enabling environment.

We have a robust security agenda as you all know. So continue to talk your friends, brothers and sisters and all those you have as tenants. The few cultists and criminals that are left, warn them that Yenagoa will no longer be haven for criminals.

If you are a cultist and you don’t want to repent, leave Yenagoa. If you are an armed robber, kidnapper or a criminal of any description, Bayelsa is not a place for you to be.”

On infrastructural development, the Governor said his administration would consolidate on the gains of 2013 by constructing additional 15 internal roads in 2014.

However, he called for the understanding of the people as more structures would be pulled down in order to pave way for a befitting State capital.

He said necessary arrangements have been put in place at ensuring prompt payment of compensation to owners of the affected structures, warning the people against playing politics with the ongoing developmental strides in the State.

Governor Dickson, who decried comments being made concerning demolition of structures cautioned people not to politicize Government’s developmental efforts pointing out that his personal residence was one of the first properties pulled down in the State capital.

In a welcome address, the Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government, Hon. Chubby Ben-Walson praised Governor Dickson for transforming the State capital and carrying the people of the area along in the scheme of things.

Consequently, he announced the decision of stakeholders of the area endorsing the Governor for a second term in office and highlighted some of the achievements of the council to include award of projects in fifteen wards with contractors fully mobilized to sites.

Governor Dickson, who decried comments being made concerning demolition of structures cautioned people not to politicize government’s developmental efforts as his personal residence was one of the first properties pulled down in the state capital.

At the event, N45 million was disbursed for the three Rural Development Areas in Yenagoa Local Government while N370 million Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) was provided for women empowerment as grant.

In attendance were; the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, (retd), members of the National and State Assemblies, top government functionaries, captains of industry, renowned poet, Dr Gabriel Okara and host of others.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

HARD TIMES AWAIT OIL THIEVES, PIPELINE VANDALS IN BAYELSA…….AS DICKSON RELEASES N105M WOMEN EMPOWERMENT FUND TO BAYELSA COMMUNITY

Hard times await oil thieves and vandals of petroleum products pipelines in Bayelsa State, as Governor Seriake Dickson on Monday warned the perpetrators to desist from the unwholesome practice or face dire consequences as from 2014.

This is just as he presented a cheque of N105m to women in seven Rural Development Authorities, (RDAs) in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the State.

Speaking at Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area during his thank you tour to the area, Chief Dickson said Government was disturbed by the alarming rate of oil theft and its effects on the State and Nation’s economy, stressing that stringent measures would be taken to stop it.

Accompanied by the first civilian Governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, (rtd), top Government functionaries, captains of industry and host of others, Hon. Dickson disclosed that necessary security apparatus is being put in place to curtail the act.

According to him, a crack taskforce will be set up to clamp down on the perpetrators of the criminal acts, warning that anybody caught in the act will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Calling for the support of the people in the area at ensuring security of lives and property, the Governor disclosed that his administration has invested so much in security as it is the only way to attract local and foreign investors to the State.

Thanking the people for their support during and after his election in 2012 as Governor of the state, he said that he would not renege on his promise, especially the completion of Yenagoa-Oporoma road.

“When I came here in 2012 to seek for your support during our campaign, I made promises; some have been fulfilled while we are still working on some. I am re-assuring you that all the promises made would be kept. Ours is a listening Government. Already, we are working on the Yenagoa-Oporoma road; Clearing of that road has got to Angiama while sand-filling has reached Aguobiri which is close to Oporoma. As you know, we are also working on the general hospital and model secondary school projects and several others here in Oporoma and other parts of Southern Ijaw”

The Governor, who was conferred with a traditional title of Ibefiniowei 1of Southern Ijaw said aside his administration’s huge investment on infrastructures, other sectors of the economy including health, education are being given due attention.

In his goodwill message, the first civilian Governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha described the Thank you tour embarked upon by the Governor as the first of its kind in the annals of the State.

Making allusion to the biblical ten lepers, Chief Alamieyeseigha said Governor’s decision would further endear him to the people of the State.

Speaking in the same vein, a first class traditional ruler in the State, King Joshua Igbugburu said the conferment of chieftaincy title on the Governor is a confirmation of the people’s love and support for his administration.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Konbowei Benson said the development strides of the Governor in the area and the entire State has vindicated his supporters and assured him of the people continued support.

The governor also used the opportunity of the visit to inspect some ongoing projects in the area including the general hospital, Governor’s lodge and the model secondary school at Oporoma.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
09/12/2013

NIGERIAN ENVOY TO ETHIOPIA LAUDS BAYELSA ECONOMIC POLICY, CALLS FOR MASSIVE INVESTMENT IN ETHIOPIAN MARKETS

The Nigerian Envoy to the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ambassador Bulus Paul Zon Lolo on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia lauded the economic policy of Governor Seriake Dickson-led administration in Bayelsa State, urging it to avail itself of the business opportunities that abound in the country, especially in the agricultural sector.

Receiving the State economic delegation led by the Governor’s representative, Ambassador Lawrence Ekpebu, Ambassador Lolo said Nigeria and by extension Bayelsa State has a lot to gain by entering into bilateral agreement with Ethiopia, in view of its agricultural potentials.

Ethiopia, as disclosed by the Ambassador is a leading producer of balley and rice in the continent of Africa and its market is begging for investment by willing nations.

However, with the economic blue print of Bayelsa State and the efforts of the present administration to diversify from the oil and gas sector of the economy, Ambassador Lolo called on its leadership to take a cue from the economic road maps of nations like Kuwait, Qatar and other emerging economic nations.

His words, ‘our appreciation of Ethiopia as Africa’s diplomatic and political capital must be deepened. Unless we do this, we will suffer in many ways. One of which is, we will be absent at the decision making table that will affect our investment drive in our individual countries.

“Secondly, when you read about Africa today online, newspapers and magazines, I am sure the quantum will be about conflict, poverty and corruption; very little will be said about our rich endowments in natural resources and our potentials to hold our own.

“It is really good to know that where we have the African Union which is a policy making organ and the Economic Communities of Africa, (ECA) sitting side by side, it means and says to us we should take advantage of our representation of this country because the policies then that come out will impact on our programmes and projects.

Expressing concern over what he described as the nation’s monolithic economy, he said the single commodity that the nation is relying on today may not be able to meet our future needs.

According to him,” for an oil producing country, each time there is fluctuation in the oil market, we are always afraid of how low the price will go. The track you are on in Bayelsa is like a safety cushion you are providing and if you get it right, it only means you will go to bed when others are sweating because you have taken a right decision under the right leadership.”

Earlier, the Chairman, Fiduciary Board of the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, Ambassador Lawrence Ekpebu, said the Governor and his entourage were in the country to hold bilateral talks with the global business community, submitting that the Governor would be looking forward to a business invitation from the mission.

He said the economic policy of the State which is privately driven is aimed at showcasing the potentials of the State to the rest of the world as well lure investors into the State.

Highlighting the economic programmes of the State which include, the cargo airport, Agge deep sea port and massive investment in agriculture, Ambassador Ekpebu said when completed, it would boost the economic profile and make it one of the leading States in the Maritime, Tourism and Agricultural sectors.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
04/12/2013