As Nigeria celebrates 55 years of independence and Bayelsa marks 19 years
of its creation, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has urged Bayelsans and
Nigerians to remain focused and be supportive to the Governments at all
levels.
The governor in a statement issued on Wednesday night by his Chief Press
Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, described Nigeria as a blessed and
unique country.
He also called on the people to always see the peace, security and unity
of the country as a collective responsibility, stressing that, the nation
is so endowed that, with peace and unity of purpose, Nigeria can attain
its rightful position as a force to be reckoned with in the highly
competitive global arena.
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity has proved to be one of the its
greatest assets, pointing out that, all that is required is for Nigerians
to jettison all parochial, sectional, religious and ethnic inclinations
and work in one accord to fully realize the dreams of its founding
fathers.
Governor Dickson, who also paid glowing tribute to the nation’s founding
fathers, enjoined those in positions of trust and indeed all Nigerians to
imbibe the positive virtues of sacrifice, honesty, patriotism and love,
which were the overriding principles and qualities, the founding fathers
lived and died for.
Hon. Dickson urged Bayelsans to keep faith with the policies and
programmes of the restoration government, adding that, it will continue to
accord security of lives and property utmost priority, while efforts are
also being intensified in improving the infrastructure, manpower
development, education and other relevant sectors of the State’s economy.
He, however, renewed his call on Bayelsans to show some level
understanding with the current situation of the economy, which is not
peculiar to the State, noting that, even the Federal Government is finding
it extremely difficult to meet up with its salary obligation to its
workers.
Hon. Dickson explained that, the State Government has remained committed
to the payment salaries, even under the prevailing circumstances.
With the December 5 governorship elections around the corner, the
countriman Governor also enjoined Bayelsans to be mindful of the antics of
the opposition, whose antecedents are well known, pointing out that, the
people are well placed to know the difference and vote wisely.
He called on the people to out rightly reject violence and all forms of
intimidation, which is a well known trademark of members of the
opposition, during the forthcoming elections, assuring that, the
government will do everything humanly possible to ensure that, elections
are held under a peaceful and conducive atmosphere.
The Bayelsa State Governor used the occasion to pay special tribute to the
founding fathers of the State for their diligence and commitment, which
necessitated the creation of the State in 1996 by the Military
administration of General Sani Abacha, noting that, posterity would
continue to appreciate them.