GOV DICKSON COMMISSIONS DEV. CONTROL EQUIPMENT, WARNS PROPERTY DEVELOPERS TO CONFORM WITH NEW REGULATIONS OR HAVE THEIR BUILDINGS DEMOLISHED

Governor Seriake Dickson has given the Capital city Development Authority (CCDA) the mandate to employ fifty persons in the Development Control Department of the Authority. The Governor gave the mandate during the commissioning of the Authority's Development Control Equipment at the premises of the CCDA along Sani Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa.

According to Governor Dickson, the purpose of the equipment is to make Yenagoa a decent, modern and well planned capital city, stressing that, Government was determined to change the face of Yenagoa from a slum to a befitting city. "And, that is why you can see all the developments going on; road and bridge construction and other infrastructure". All these will come to naught if the residents of Yenagoa do not understand our vision and where we are taking our state to" the Governor explained. He reminded the Capital City Development Authority of their responsibility to ensure that building permits are issued to persons who comply with the law and those who refuse to comply are also punished as stipulated by the law.

Hon. Dickson equally mandated the CCDA to ensure that structures that do not conform to the regulations of the Yenagoa master plan are demolished. The Executive Secretary of CCDA, Chief Iboro Ige Idaba and his team were directed to formally invite developers to submit their building plans within a stipulated time frame in line with the new mandate. The Governor who was issued 3 application forms for his building plan, called on all Bayelsans and residents of Yenagoa, who have property to visit CCDA to regularise their building plans.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for the Capital City Development Authority, Mr. Zuwa Konuga, disclosed that the equipment was provided to enable the Authority to perform its duty maximally. Governor Dickson also undertook an inspection tour of the sand filling of the Ox-bow lake area, construction of infrastructure as well as the new pavilion project.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
19/02/2014

GOV DICKSON ATTRIBUTES ACHIEVEMENTS TO LOYALTY AND SUPPORT OF PDP MEMBERS, AS PARTY PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON GOV ...URGES HIM TO CONTINUE HIS GOOD WORKS

Bayelsa State Hon. Seriake Dickson says, the achievements of his administration were largely made possible by the loyalty and support of members of the PDP in the State.

Governor Dickson stated this while addressing party faithful during the monthly PDP meeting at the party's secretariat in Yenagoa.

He stressed the need for the people of the State to rally round his administration in order to build a strong and united support base for President Goodluck Jonathan to succeed at the federal level.

While calling on the people not to place their selfish interests over and above the general good, Governor Dickson noted that, though 2014 is a political year, the people should not be distracted but join Government in delivering the dividends of democracy.

According to the Governor, the effectiveness of Government is measured by the positive impact being made on the overall wellbeing of the generality of the citizenry.

"When you see us do what we have been able to do, taking over Government at a difficult and trying period and within this short period, we have been able to put so much on ground for people to see and it is like that in every Local Government Area. When I went on tour in the process of inspecting and commissioning projects, I myself was shocked at the type of things we have put on ground.

"This is not just in Yenagoa Local Government Area, our State capital. But as I stepped out to the Local Government Areas, I discovered that, there is no Local Government Area that does not have 25 or 50 projects going on of different types and we have just started. And we need to consolidate on the good works we are doing and we have been able to achieve this by the grace of God and with the support of all of you."

Earlier, in their separate remarks, the working committee and entire members of the party in the State passed a vote of confidence on Governor Dickson in view of his unprecedented performance within a short period of two years in office.

The Governor's Special Representatives in Sagbama and Nembe Local Government Areas, Mr. Collins Cocodia and Dr. Godson Omubo-Dede recounted the achievements of the Restoration Government, ranging from infrastructural manpower and rural development, reforms in the civil service and security.

According to Dr. Omubo Dede, the Nembe road project is a gift to the people of Nembe Kingdom and currently motorcycles are plying the road, which has been on the drawing board for 47 years.

In his words: "I want to bring to you two messages from the people of Nembe kingdom. We want to thank you for the gift of a road that you have given to us. This road that has been in the making 47 years ago which has been a mirage, but it took you to make it happen. As we speak today, motorcycles are moving on that road from Emakalakala to Nembe and that is a forerunner to vehicular movement.

"It is going to prevent accidents; it is going to prevent sea piracy and above all, the economy is going to be turned around. So the people said I should thank you on their behalf. And because of that they are 200 per cent behind you."

In his remarks, the State PDP Chairman, retired Col. Sam Inokoba said the monthly PDP meeting has helped to strengthen internal democracy in the party.

Declaring total support on behalf of the PDP family in the state, Col. Inokoba remarked that Governor Dickson's two years anniversary in office would not be complete without the monthly meetings to further cement the bond of unity among members of the party.

The PDP Chairman urged the Governor not to relent in providing good governance towards improving the standard of living of the people.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
18/02/2014

WE APPOINTED SHEHU OF BORNO AS CHANCELLOR BECAUSE OF HIS IMPRESSIVE ACADEMIC, MORAL AND POLITICAL PROFILE ...BAYELSA GOVT

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry seriake Dickson says, his administration settled for the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubarkar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi as chancellor of the State owned Niger Delta University, because of his long and impressive academic, moral and political profiles as well as the need to build bridges of unity among the different sections of the country.

Governor Dickson, who stated this, while presenting the letter of appointment to the Shehu of Borno at a brief ceremony in Abuja, urged some sections of the country and some highly placed politicians fanning the embers of ethnic and religious disunity to retrace their steps and do things that would foster unity.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Edmond Allison-Oguru, the Bayelsa State Governor traced the history of the alliance between the north and the south to the first republic and how the people of Bayelsa have always built bridges instead of walls in a bid to foster the unity of the nation and integration. He also brought to the fore, the fact that the alliance is not just an act of coincidence as the Niger Delta region produced the first Chancellor of University of Maiduguri, Late Prof. Essien Udom The Governor stated that, it was only natural for both regions to continue their symbiotic political relationship, which has been mutually beneficial to all.

He however noted with regret that, but for the security situation in the north-east, the ceremony would have held in the comfort of the Shehu's palace.

The Bayelsa State Chief Executive used the occasion to task political and religious leaders in the north on the need to address the security problems in the zone.

In his acceptance speech, the Shehu thanked the Governor for the honour, describing the Niger Delta University as the university of the future, adding that, he will strive to justify the confidence reposed in him by the Government and people of Bayelsa State in particular and the South-South region in general.

He emphasized his vision for the growth and development of the NDU to a world class university as he canvassed the cooperation and support of all stakeholders.

Also speaking, a former Director-General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Muhammed Nur Alkali noted that universities were passing through very difficult times, adding that, ongoing reforms in the educational sector would help universities play bigger roles in nation building.

"Our universities must play greater roles in building bridges. This is a major role we all have to pursue. It is important we stand in solidarity for the success of the university system," said Alkali.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
18/02/2014

VET DOCTORS GET AUTOMATIC EMPOLYMENT, AS GOV DICKSON PLEDGES GREATER INVESTMENT IN AGRIC

Governor Seriake Dickson has given automatic employment to six casual veterinary doctors of the Bayelsa State Veterinary Clinic at Edepie in the State capital. Governor Dickson, who announced this, while commissioning the Ultra modern veterinary clinic at the school to land premises along Imiringi road, Edepie, Yenagoa, stated that, Government would continue to invest in agriculture until the State becomes number in the sector. He stated that, concerted efforts were being made to put a standard abattoir in place, stressing that, when it is completed along with other facilities, no animal will be allowed into the State without being properly examined before it is slaughtered for consumption.

Governor Dickson described agriculture as the tripod of his administration, adding that it will create employment and provide food for the teeming population of Bayelsans. According to him, it will also increase the Gross Domestic product of the state and improve its internally generated revenue profile as well.

The Governor, who expressed satisfaction with the rice mill and other facilities already installed at the farm, promised to visit the farm site on a more regular basis and ensure that boys and girls of the state are meaningfully engaged. He disclosed that the school of agriculture that is underway is to provide manpower for the various agriculture projects and facilities being put in place at the school to land farm.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for agriculture, Dr. Thomas Commander disclosed that the Veterinary Clinic is the first to be built in the state, noting that the facility and the equipment are of high standard. The Governor was also conducted round the different sections of the clinic which include Vet shop/Vet Pharmacy, examination room and laboratory. He also inspected the poultry farm with 15,000 broilers and directed that the capacity be increased to 30,000, promising to make N60 million available for the completion of the project.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
18/02/2014

GOV DICKSON ORDERS IMMEDIATE ADMISSIONS INTO STATE SPORTS ACADEMY, AS COMMISSIONER APPEALS FOR A STANDARD STADIUM COMPLEX IN YENAGOA

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has charged the Ministry of Sports Development to commence the process of admitting the first batch of students in readiness for the take off of the State Sports Academy at Asoama in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

He also directed the ministry to source for experts that would train the students in areas where the State have comparative advantage such as swimming, wrestling and other combat sports as well as coach them on the academic aspects of sports development.

Governor Dickson, who gave the charge shortly after participating in the Monthly Jogging Exercise at the Peace Park Yenagoa, gave Mutari Abdullahi, from Sokoto State, a wushe Kunfu practitioner, automatic admission into the academy.

The Governor said he was hopeful that the academy would be commissioned by April this year and expressed delight over the pace of work at the project site, stating that in no distant time the state would begin to produce champions that would win laurels for the State and country as a whole.

“The Sports Commissioner will set up a committee within one month to scout for young people that are good in swimming, wrestling and other aspects of sports and get experts to coach them.

“We want them to get the best of academics and also exposure to competitive sports and beyond the physical training, we want them to study and understand the academic aspect of sports development. We do not want to produce sports champions who are ignorant of the principles and rules, because that academy project is very dear to our heart.”

He therefore urged the youths not to be distracted but avail themselves of Government’s programmes for the betterment of their lives and promote healthy living.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Chief Mitema Obodor, said Government has addressed two major challenges in the sports sector, which are the resuscitation of about 25 sporting associations and provision of facilities.

He noted that Governor Dickson has approved rehabilitation of facilities and change of the turf at the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium to enable the State host premiership and continental matches.

Chief Obodor also intimated the Governor of the qualification of the State owned Football Club, Bayelsa United for the 2014 CAF confederations cup competition.

Assuring the Governor that the State’s athletes would excel at this year’s National sports festival in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, he stressed the need for the construction of a standard stadium, as 75 hectares of land was already available for the project.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
17/02/2014

GOV. DICKSON OFFERS AUTOMATIC EMPLOYMENT TO BEST GRADUATING STUDENTS OF BYCAS

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State on Saturday, offered automatic employment to best graduating students of the Bayelsa State College of Arts and Science, (BYCAS), Elebele.

The students excelled in various areas of ICT such as computer hardware maintenance, electrical installation, computer application as well as database management and administration.

The Governor made the offer to 10 of the best graduating students while commissioning the College, which coincided with its maiden Graduation and Matriculation ceremony.

Governor Dickson who was impressed with the students’ outstanding performance directed that 6 of the best graduating students be deployed to Government House, Yenagoa to demonstrate their skills in Information and Communication Technology.

He also directed the Ministry of Education to ensure immediate absorption of the graduates to teach in schools, as there were job openings for teachers in all primary and secondary schools in the state.

Congratulating the 250 graduating students, Governor Dickson urged the Rector of BYCAS, Dr. Jeremiah Yabefa to raise the standard of education higher in conduct, values and academics, underscoring the importance of ICT in today’s knowledge driven and competitive economy.

The Governor said it was heartwarming to note that the implementation of his administration’s educational policy in the re-establishment of the college had yielded positive results 5 years after the scrapping of the institution.

He took an inspection tour of the Computer Application and Network Engineering Laboratories.

Governor Dickson who was accompanied by the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Joseph Habineza and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke was received at the College by his deputy, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benson Konbowei, Commissioner of Education, Mr. Salo Adikumo and other top government officials.

The Governor also inspected the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, one of the projects earmarked, where he expressed satisfaction with the facilities on ground.

He directed the Commissioner for Tourism Development, Mr. Nelson Belief and the authorities of the Institution to urgently work out modalities for the take off of the school within the first half this year.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
16/02/2014

GOV DICKSON ASSENTS TO 3 NEW BILLS TO CREATE INSTITUTIONS FOR EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE OF BAYELSA STATE

Land and property owners in Bayelsa State would soon pay appropriate levies in line with the administration’s tax policies geared towards improving the revenue base of the state.

Governor Seriake Dickson announced this while signing 3 bills into law at a special edition of the administration’s monthly Transparency Briefing marking the second anniversary of the government.

The new laws are, Bayelsa State Investment Promotion, Bureau for Development Cooperative and Bayelsa Anti Corruption Amendment, which brings the total number of laws to 37 aimed at creating institutions for effective governance of progress of the state.

Tax Identification Numbers (TIN), were also issued to Governor Dickson and his deputy, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.

On the Property Tax, Governor Dickson explained that the essence of Government’s tax policies was to create wealth and a sustainable economy that is not dependent on revenue from oil and gas.

He expressed Government’s determination to make Bayelsa self-sustaining particularly in the payment of salaries without relying on proceeds from the Federal Allocation, stressing that in due course the people would stand to benefit from Government’s diversification programme.

The Governor, who also commissioned the offices of the State Geographic Information System Agency, explained that, the Bayelsa Geographic Information System, BGIS is a one-stop shop for handling all title matters, which will go a long way in protecting the people’s investments in land and other valuable property, noting that, land is the foundation of all development.

“With the BGIS Law in place, you have to be prepared to pay property tax. BGIS is one stop shop for all title matters. Every land transaction must be consummated within 60 days.

In another development, Governor Dickson launched the registration of Tax Identification Number, (TIN) as part of efforts of government’s revolutionary revenue drive.

Noting that experts were working on the law that would harmonize all revenue legislations in the state, with the aim of ensuring that taxable persons were captured both in the formal and informal sectors.

Acknowledging the challenges in the informal sector, the Governor directed that inter-ministerial teams work together to ensure that all taxable adults in the state were captured for tax purposes to aid development.

“Our teams are working on the law that will harmonize all revenue legislations in the state with the intention of ensuring that every person that is taxable in this state is captured. For the formal sector, we have done a lot but for the informal sector, we know that the challenges are there”

He therefore solicited the cooperation of all as the success of the administration depended largely on the support from the people.

Giving some insight into the tax identification number, Executive Chairman of the state Internal Revenue Board, Mr. Godson Torukuru said the scheme was a collaborative effort between the state and federal governments to shore up the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

He also highlighted the benefits accruable from the tax identification initiative which include, access to free medical services for some categories of persons, obtaining Government contracts, driving license, international passports and will aid the processing of land documents among others.

In his contribution, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Treasury and Accounts, Mr. Timipre Seipulo, said the total IGR has improved as it increased from N4 billion to N10 billion within last year.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
16/02/2014

NEW BAYELSA C OF O INTENDED TO VERIFY LAND TITLES, MAKE CITIZENS MAJOR PLAYERS IN STATE’S ECONOMY …GOV DICKSON

Bayelsa State Government says the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy, C of O, will go a long way in resolving land disputes as well as engender wealth creation for land owners with the establishment of the Bayelsa Geographical Information System, (BGIS).

Governor Seriake Dickson gave the indication while signing some C of Os at the monthly transparency briefing to mark his mid-term anniversary in office.

According to the Governor, as part of activities to celebrate the second year of the Restoration Government, he decided to put in place a mechanism for the verification of land titles to enable the people become major players in the economy as landed property would become marketable.

“I also signed in your presence, certificates of occupancy pursuant to the law that we proposed to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly with the promulgation of the Bayelsa Geographical Information System Law.

“Among the factors of production, land is probably the foundation of all development. If we free up most of the titles we have and give verifiable and reliable certification of those titles, that by itself is empowerment because we would have made it possible for persons to trade with their titles.”

He noted that, one of the challenges that had bedeviled the State was the classification of wealth in view of the absence of reliable certification to land, stressing the need for Government to take pragmatic steps to create wealth and a sustainable economy as land was the foundation of all development. That is one of the reasons why we are not as involved as we ought to be in our local economy.

“That is why you cannot have small and medium scale businessmen and women because you cannot transact with your titles; meanwhile if you go to our communities, or even in Yenagoa almost everybody has land but they can not trade with it since there is no proof of ownership.”

Consequently, Governor Dickson said investment teams have been directed to work out the details with which he would interact with financial institutions to streamline the empowerment programme Government intends to run.

He also urged the teams to liaise with its counterparts at the federal level with the aim of keying into the recently launched Federal Government’s mortgage re-finance initiative as well as look into the possibility of establishing a mortgage institution in the State.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr Furoebi Akene highlighted some of the features of the new C of O which he noted, is electronically produced and the issuance of the C of O from the date of application, if all the requirements are met, is within 2 weeks.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
16/02/2014

I CONTINUE TO RUN AN OPEN AND ALL INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT ...GOV DICKSON

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has said he would continue to run an open and all inclusive Government to attract greater stability and development to the State.

Hon. Dickson who spoke at a special thanksgiving service to round off his administration’s mid-term anniversary at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House in Yenagoa, expressed gratitude to God and Bayelsans for the progress made so far. He reiterated his belief in the supremacy of God in the affairs of men and attributed the administration’s achievements in the last two years to Divine grace and effective cooperation between the Government and people of the state.

While, thanking the Church and Bayelsans for their support, Governor Dickson urged them not to relent in their prayers for the State and President Goodluck Jonathan. He pledged that Government on its part would make concerted efforts to continue to speed up development in the State and expressed his willingness to work with all well-meaning individuals and organisations.

According to the Governor, “this is a time that God has set all the parameters and indices right for us to make giant strides that we need to make, and by the grace of God we are doing that. “There is unprecedented harmony, cooperation, synergy and inclusiveness in the way we now conduct the politics of our State. Yes, there will be differences in opinion and perspectives; we can’t rule that out. But, so far I want to commend the political elite of this State for the understanding and cooperation they have always shown and extended. I assured them as usual that because we are in Government to serve, it is not difficult bringing everybody together. It is when you are in Government to either witch-hunt people or pursue one selfish agenda or the other that you are scared of people.

“In our new Bayelsa, we are looking for all good hands. We don’t even have enough good hands so we are still looking for them. Whoever has any role to play or good idea to bring to the table to serve the people of our dear State is welcome because the cardinal principle of our Government flowing from my personal conviction about public service is that ‘He serveth God well by serving men well”.

Earlier in a sermon the Bishop of Ogbia Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Reverend James Aye-Oruwori admonished Bayelsans to put their total trust in God from whom alone enduring socio-economic and political success flows. Bishop Oruwori commended the Governor for creating the existing partnership between Government and Church and urged Christians to rise above fear and always speak the truth. The only lesson of the service which featured special choral renditions and prayers for the State and country in general was read by Governor Seriake Dickson.

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

16/02/2014

GOV. DICKSON TASKS POLITICAL CLASS ON SERVICE

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has urged the political class in the country to make service their watchword with a view to making a positive impact in the lives of those they govern.

He also charged the citizenry to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth and development by living up to their civic responsibilities, stressing that responsible citizenship carries with it certain obligations.

The Governor was speaking at a dinner/command performance marking his administration’s second anniversary at the banquet hall, Government House in Yenagoa.

The ceremony also featured presentation of productivity merit award to over thirty public sector workers and organizations with the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb Joseph Habineza in attendance.

Other notable personalities at the occasion include the immediate past Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadhome, former Governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, wife of the Bayelsa State Governor Rachel, his deputy Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), foremost poet, Dr Gabriel Okara, former and serving National Assembly members from the state as well as traditional rulers.

According to Hon Dickson, Nigeria will develop faster if leaders and citizens alike appreciate its diversity as an asset and make collective efforts at fighting against the challenges confronting the country.

While, underscoring the importance of national unity, the Governor took a swipe on politicians and political parties that are fanning the embers of strife and disintegration.

He noted that despite the premeditated attacks on the Peoples Democratic Party-led federal government by forces who do not mean well for the country, the party remains resolute in its determination to move the nation forward and promote national integration and stability.

Alluding to the current spate of defections in the nation’s polity, the Bayelsa State Governor said, “The other party inherited some toxic assets but our party, Africa’s largest and the only truly national party in Nigeria stands for national integration and stability of our dear country.

“The people that have come to join us are true assets. People like Their Excellencies Ibrahim shekarau, Atahiru Bafarawa, my good friend Dele Belgore and other well-meaning Nigerians who have come to join us in the PDP. We believe that our platform is not built on the faultlines of our country. Whether those faultlines are ethnicity, religion or class, our platform is for all Nigerians. And I want to thank all other worthy leaders who have taken the right step.

Continuing, he maintained that, “responsible citizenship carries with it an obligation to contribute to the general wellbeing. I also believe that those of us who have an opportunity to serve truly have the opportunity to serve not just man but God Himself from whom authority over human beings flows. We must not fail to remember that we are in service to make a difference.”

On his performance, the Governor noted that the present administration has made appreciable progress in critical sectors of education, infrastructure and security in the last two years even as he identified human capacity development as the greatest challenge of the state.

He however stated that, appropriate measures were being put in place to address the problem as no society, according to him, can have a sustainable future that is not anchored on human capital.

Governor Dickson said it was in realization of this fact that his administration swiftly embarked on the building of educational institutions including the schools of agriculture and tourism as well as initiated various scholarship schemes for Bayelsans to study within and outside the country.

His words, “Our investments are not just limited to the roads that you see or the schools that we are building all over. In every Local Government Area, you can count about 25 projects ranging from schools to hospitals not to talk of the major infrastructural turnaround that is evident in the state capital. As we speak, we have over 150 PhD scholars spread across the length and breadth of the world; over 400 are also on scholarship for masters’ degree programmes. In fact, next week the team going to Lincoln University will leave for the United States of America because we have paid all their fees up to date.

He thanked Bayelsans and all friends of the State for their support and assured them of his administration’s commitment to consolidating on the achievements recorded so far, expressing hope that the foundations laid in the past two years would achieve more aggressive sustainable development for the state.

Highpoint of the occasion was the cutting of the anniversary cake and presentations by various artistes and cultural troupes including the state council for arts and culture, and UMOZA from Johannesburg, South Africa.

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

GOV DICKSON MARKS 2 YEARS IN OFFICE; RECEIVE PLAUDITS FROM MALLAM SHEKARAU, SENATOR LOKPOBIRI

As the Restoration Government marks its mid-term anniversary, Governor Seriake Dickson has been receiving accolades from eminent personalities both within and outside the country, including the former Governor of kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.
Assessing the 2 years score card of Governor Dickson in the state, Mallam Shekarau scored the administration high based on the United Nations and World Bank’s 6 characteristics of development.
According to the former governor, Governor Dickson has excelled in all the criteria, which are, accountability, political stability, effectiveness of government, regulatory control, rule of law and control of corruption.
Commenting on the transparency initiative of the State Government, Alhaji Shekarau said, “ I honestly do not have enough words to say how happy I am to congratulate the Governor, his deputy and other members of his team for institutionalizing this culture of speaking out how much money comes in and how it is spent.
“I am impressed and I want to join all other well wishers of Bayelsa to thank God and pray hard for many more Dicksons to come.
Also appraising the Governor, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District and who spoke on behalf of the Bayelsa Caucus in the National Assembly, noted that Governor Dickson’s stint in the National assembly has sharpened his leadership skills and enhanced his revolutionary achievements within the short period and has equally proved skeptics wrong.
Senator Lokpobiri was of the view that given Governor Dickson’s developmental strides in just 2 years and what he stands to achieve in the remaining part of his present tenure would serve as his campaign weapon. “I want to congratulate you for what you are doing here in the state. And I believe that even your worst enemy will agree that you are doing excellently well.
“We have always had abiding confidence in you as members of the National Assembly, we decided to agree that you should come back home so that Nigerians will get to appreciate what the National Assembly can make of anybody. You were there for 5 years and that has improved your mental and leadership capacity which you are exhibiting.”
Applauding the Governor’s leadership style of inclusiveness, he called for synergy between the State Government and members of the National Assembly from the state to make appropriations that would attract development from the Federal Government as well as avoid duplication in project execution.
Senator Lokpobiri therefore urged the people of the state to support the present administration to record what he described as ‘more success stories’ rather than distracting him.
Highpoint of the occasion was the unveiling of the Mid-Term Report tagged, “Two Years of Restorative Governance” by Governor Dickson after a brief preview of the publication by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Edmund Alison-Oguru.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
14/02/2014

GOV DICKSON MARKS 2 YEARS IN OFFICE; COMMEND BAYELSANS FOR THEIR PEACEFUL DISPOSITION, AS HE INAUGURATES PROJECTS

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson on Wednesday flagged off his administration’s Mid Term anniversary with the commissioning of the Yenagoa gateway security posts aimed at complementing the integrated security command and control system of the State Government.

Also, to build the capacity of teachers in the state, the Governor announced that the Teachers Training Institute at Bulou Orua would be affiliated to the department of continuing education of the state-owned Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro College of Education, Sagbama.

Commenting on the gateway infrastructure which comprises a water fountain and other structures, Governor Dickson explained that the facility would not always be accessible to members of the public as they would be essentially used for security purposes.

The Governor noted that the project would add to the aesthetics of the capital city and the state in general, stating that more of such infrastructure would be provided as part of government’s urban renewal drive.

In his words: “the water fountain and the associated structures here are essentially security buildings; they are not buildings that members of the public will have access to at least not on a regular basis. They are to complement our Integrated Command and Control System.

“And this being an entry and exit point, these buildings are going to be very useful. The fountain itself is very wonderful and it is going to add to the aesthetics of our state capital and the state generally. And, I know we are going to have such fountains.

In an interview with newsmen, Governor Dickson expressed satisfaction with the level of work done and commended the people, particularly the youths for their peaceful disposition, noting that peace was an essential ingredient in the development and growth of the state.

According to him, majority of the already completed projects will be commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan during his planned working visit to the State at a date to be announced soon.

Earlier, Governor Dickson had commissioned some people-oriented projects in Sagbama and Kolokuma Opokuma local government areas of the state as part of activities marking his administration’s 2 years anniversary.

Accompanied by his Deputy, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Edmond Alison-Oguru, other members of the state Executive Council, the Governor inaugurated a rural electrification project and a 2.5km internal road at Toru Orua.

He also inspected some on-going projects including the Sagbama-Ekeremor and Toru Orua-Angalabiri roads as well as Model Secondary School, Sagbama, Teachers Training Institute, Bolou Orua.

Others were the Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro College of Education, Sagbama, Bayelsa State Sports Academy, Asoama and the permanent NYSC Orientation Camp, Kaiama, headquarters of Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area.

Fielding questions from journalists, the Paramount Ruler of Bolou Orua community, Chief Felagha Tounarigha expressed satisfaction with the massive transformation of infrastructure taking place in the community and the State generally.

While calling on the people to jealously guard the various projects already put in place, he also commended Governor Dickson for his visionary leadership and prayed God to continue protect and direct him.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
13/02/2014