The Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson paid tribute to elders
and founding fathers of the state who fought and persistently agitated for
the creation of Bayelsa in 1996.
The governor while Speaking at a meeting with members of the Bayelsa
Elders Forum in Yenagoa, opined that with their actions that culminated
in the creation of the state they have secured a good place in the history
of Bayelsa.
He thanked the elders for the support they have given him and his
government so far and appeal to them to join hands with his
administration to address the political unrest in the state.
“Politicians will come and go, but the state will remain. So even in the
midst of arguments and disagreements, let violence not be brought to
bare”.
The governor acknowledged that although the state is not where it should
be, but it is not where it used to be and that is something to be thankful
for and congratulated all Bayelsans for the 20th anniversary of the state.
In the area of public service, Dickson appealed to the elders to be part
of the discussions by engaging civil servants from their locality to
accept the ongoing payment pattern as government at this point cannot pay
full salaries.
According to him, some of the major challenges his government is facing
is the dwindling economy and security and called for collaboration to
ensure law and other in all LGA’s.
Governor Dickson also has announced that there are lands available for
elders at the new Yenegoa city with terms and conditions all aimed at
ensuring that they are closer to him for constant advice which is always
appreciated.
Earlier chairman of the elders council, Chief Francis Doukpola while
making an opening remark recalled how the journey started and how much
success has been achieved now, especially in the present administration
and congratulated the governor on his victory.
The high point of the meeting was the presentation of the request for the
state creation and the original copy of the memorandum and amended
constitution to the governor by the elders council chairman.
Dickson was accompanied to the meeting by his deputy, John Jonah, Speaker
of the State Assembly, Friday Konbowei Benson, Deputy Chief of Staff, Mrs
Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon.
Jonathan Obuebite, amongst others.