BAYELSA GOV URGES LEADERS TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT, BE PERSUASIVE, BUILD BRIDGES OF PEACE AND UNITY AMONG NIGERIANS

BAYELSA GOV URGES LEADERS TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT, BE PERSUASIVE, BUILD BRIDGES OF PEACE AND UNITY AMONG NIGERIANS

The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon, Seriake Dickson has urged leaders across the country, especially those in the South-South to exercise restraint in their utterances in order not to heat up the polity.Governor Dickson sounded this note of caution when he received the South-South Monarchs Forum who paid him a courtesy call at Government House, Yenagoa.

According to the Governor, the call has become imperative in view of the peculiar challenges facing the country and the need to maintain a peaceful and stable political climate ahead of the 2015 elections.Governor Dickson who enjoined leaders to employ persuasion, consensus building and engagement, reasoned that doing so will contribute significantly to nation-building as well as promote harmonious co-existence.“I’ve always emphasized the need for all of us leaders to build consensus and promote better understanding in our country.

In my remarks a few days back during the Isaac Boro Memorial Lecture, I made it clear that the times we are in, call for fence-mending, bridge-building and repairing of even bridges that appear to have broken down.“That is the challenge of nation building that we all face as leaders of this country. Let me use this opportunity to sound a note of caution to some of our brothers and even leaders who appeared to be using the language of war instead of the language of politics and persuasion which is critical to us going forward.

According to Hon. Dickson, the language of threat and war could result in to violence and does not augur well for a nation like Nigeria that is dare need of peace, stability and progress.The Governor, who commended the traditional rulers for their abiding support to their respective state Chief Executives and the federal government, enjoined them to intensify their efforts at promoting peace to enable President Goodluck Jonathan implement his transformation agenda to the maximum benefit of Nigerians.“I will also like to enjoin all of us leaders of this country particularly leaders of our zone to be more interested in doing what you are doing; using all the platforms and contacts that we have to build bridges that will promote harmonious co-existence because as they say “to whom much is given, much is expected” so, we have much responsibility in this zone perhaps more than others”.

Responding to the demands of the royal fathers, Governor Dickson commended his predecessor for donating a piece of land for the construction of the Forum’s secretariat.While pledging support for the project, Hon. Dickson promised to reach out to his colleagues in the zone to facilitate its commencement and timely completion.“You talked about how my predecessor made an allocation of a plot of land.

I want to thank him for that and that was the right thing to do. We will support this body in the little way we can and also talk to my colleagues (I’m sure you will also send messages to them) so that we will join hands to see that a befitting headquarters is put up here in no distant time”.Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum, HRM King Edmund Daukoru said they were in the state to discuss issues of critical importance to the zone and country such as the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), security and steps to strengthen cohesion within the political class.

King Daukoru, who is also the Amayanabo of Nembe in Bayelsa State called on politicians in the region to close ranks, adding that the Forum on its part has started building appropriate linkages with the south western and eastern region ahead of the 2015 presidential elections.

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

Taking Bayelsa to the World and Bringing the World to Bayelsa

Taking Bayelsa to the World and Bringing the World to Bayelsa
 By Famous Obebi Famous

No doubt, the world is a global village. This axiom found very strong expression in the economic meltdown of 2009 which was triggered by the mortgage crises in the United States but which nonetheless affected the economies all over the world. During that season of economic anomie, reserves as well as market capitalisation in major stock exchanges tumbled and crashed. Nations like Nigeria with mono economies were the worst hit.

Today, however, things are beginning to look up for the Nigerian economy. Thanks to the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan which is focused on gradually diversifying the economy. Today the foreign reserves stand at $50bn close to the 2008 pre-crises figure of $60bn. Also the Market Capitalisation stands at N11trillion as against 2008’s N12trillion. The transformation agenda is, indeed, right on course.

Perhaps this is why here in Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson is replicating the transformation agenda by utilising the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation as a strategic enabler to catalyse development and diversify the economy away from oil and gas to income earned through investments in critical sectors. The vision of the BDIC, according to the Chief Economic Adviser, Mr Tamunoye Alazigha is to protect and grow the wealth of Bayelsans and transform the state into a top 5 economy in Africa by 2020. At the heart of the vision, of course is the development of local small and medium enterprises into global brands. This is because in Nigeria, SMEs alone account for over 50 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product

It was, therefore not surprising that recently, the BDIC opened its South Africa office in Johannesburg to further leverage on the vast opportunities offered by the African market. According to Mr Tamunoye Alazigha, the choice of South Africa is informed largely by its large economy with a GDP of $577bn. Furthermore, South Africa easily passes as the most developed economy in the continent with world class infrastructure and strong institutions. This is in sharp contrast with what obtained during the apartheid regime. But of course, it was able to achieve this quantum leap through a special purpose vehicle, the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa created by the government for post-apartheid reconstruction and rehabilitation. Its success is legendary.

It is in recognition of this fact that the BDIC which is modelled after the Industrial Development Corporation and other Development Finance Institutions like the Botswana Development Corporation and the Rwanda Development Board, is set to take the world by storm. Speaking at the cutting of the tape to mark the formal opening of the office in Johanesburg, Governor Seriake Dickson remarked that the BDIC was destined to become a behemoth corporation that would greatly catalyse the socio-economic restoration of the state after years of waste and mismanagement.

He stated that his administration was committed to promote prosperity of the Bayelsa people, enterprise development and attracting investment and capital into the key sectors through the BDIC, adding that African governments must, apart from political collaboration, also engage in business-business interactions to improve the lot of Africa.

This is no doubt commendable especially when juxtaposed with the fact that some past administrations in the state was characterised by massive looting and profligacy rather than seeking viable means of enhancing revenue. Indeed, the opening of the BDIC South Africa office is historic as no other administration had been able to envision such a noble idea.

Shortly after commissioning the office on Sunday May 5, 2013 at about 7.30pm, the Governor undertook a guided tour of the outpost in company of top government functionaries including the Minister of Finance and co-ordinating minister of the economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the occasion.

The Governor reiterated that, going forward, the BDIC remained the vehicle for promoting investment and eradicating poverty and unemployment in Bayelsa state and assured that the state was safe for investors. He said the era of solely depending on FAAC receipts for funds to drive development was over as the discovery of oil in Oloibiri in 1956 had not brought in the much needed development in the area. Bayelsa he noted was a land of limitless potentials and possibilities.

Speaking at the event, Dr Okonjo-Iweala commended Governor Seriake Dickson for the vision to establish the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, stating that President Goodluck Jonathan was greatly impressed by the strategic move to diversify the Bayelsa economy and create jobs as it mirrored the transformation agenda which was also based on economic diversification.

She stated that with strong reserves, stable currency and inflation rate coming down to a single digit, there was strong basis to diversify the Nigerian economy away from dependence on oil and gas to massive investments in agriculture, housing and solid minerals which will generate millions of jobs and create wealth for the people. She said Nigeria is rich in over 34 solid minerals which had not been sufficiently explored to earn income.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,  who stood in for President Jonathan, remarked that the BDIC with the kind of passion from the Governor and the talents in the team was, no doubt, going to record resounding success and charged the Governor to set key performance indicators for the corporation in order to effectively evaluate its achievements and take remedial action where necessary.

Also speaking, the South African minister of Economic Affairs, Professor Nkize who represented President Jacob Zuma of South Africa stated that since 1994, South Africa has worked with developed countries to grow its economy and to fight what he described as the three ills in the continent: High Unemployment, poverty and inequalities in the society.

Prof Nkize said South Africa was a stable economy known for mining activities but expanding now into manufacturing and promoting economic inclusion and expressed the hope that the partnership with the Bayelsa State Government  and Industria Development Corporation would provide the basis for accelerated sustainable economic development of the Nigerian economy.

She said Nigeria remained a feeder of South Africa’s tourism industry and assured of the continued support of the South African government for the success of the BDIC.

Earlier, the Deputy Managing Director, Mr Tamunoye Alazigha had remarked that the opening of the office represented another building block towards realising the dream to restore the fortunes of Bayelsa State through aggressive industrialisation and partnership with the private sector.

He noted that South Africa has in the last two decades undergone major infrastructural development through the instrumentality of the IDC and that the BDIC has signed MOUs with IDC on funding, partnerships, capacity building and best practices and working with financial advisors to explore funding opportunities.  In his words ,’‘the partnership is a first step towards sustainable economic collaboration between South Africa and Nigeria  aimed at optimally exploring the rapidly growing industries vital to the continued growth of the state,’’

Mr Alazigha noted that the opening of the office was a signal that Governor Seriake Dickson was ready to take Bayelsa to the world and bring the world to Bayelsa.

Speaking at the event, the representative of IDC South Africa and Musa Capital Advisors, Mr Eric Langalakhi Mahamba Sit-hole and Antoine Johnson expressed satisfaction with the bold move of the Bayelsa Government to expand its frontiers and bring capital and operating solution to the state in key areas.

It will be recalled that the Industrial Development Corporation which has been operating in South Africa for about 72 years now was very instrumental in the post apartheid reconstruction process.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman Fiduciary Board of the BDIC, Prof Lawrence Ekpebu described the event as very relevant as it represented a strategic move to promote the interest of the African continent. He said while Nigeria contributed substantially in nipping Apartheid in the bud, Bayelsans played a significant role in the last phase of the fight against apartheid which led to its eventual collapse.

Prof Ekpebu who also doubles as Vice Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Corporation remarked that Bayelsans, for the umpteenth time, are involved in the second phase of the rebuilding of South Africa economy and thanked the people and government of South Africa for providing the required incentives for the take off of the BDIC.

It is strongly hoped that the alliance with the BDIC would provide the required leverage to turn around the economy of Bayelsa and deliver the much needed democratic dividend to the people of Bayelsa.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of Prof Lawrence Ekpebu’s book; South Africa the fall of the last Empiral Outpost President Jacob Zuma as part of the contributions of Nigeria to the development of South Africa.

The event witnessed grand performances by Timi Dakolo, one time winner of the West African Idol competition as well as other cultural performances.

With the opening of the BDIC office, the stage is now set for Bayelsa to extend its developmental tentacles to leverage foreign private capital in order to diversify the local economy. More importantly, there is very little doubt that with the vast opportunities offered by the South African economy, Bayelsa and indeed, Nigeria is on the fast lane of socio-economic reconstruction and rehabilitation after sixteen years of waste and pillage of scarce resources.

There is, therefore, no gainsaying that Bayelsa State is on the right path to economic recovery and sustainable socio-economic development. Thanks to the economic foresight, entrepreneurial ingenuity and business savvy of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson who is determined to turn Bayelsa into a world class investment haven.

GOV DICKSON WANTS BAYELSA PROFESSIONALS ABROAD TO INVEST IN THE STATE AND SUPPORT DEVELOPMENTAL EFFORTS OF GOVT

21/05/2013

GOV DICKSON WANTS BAYELSA PROFESSIONALS ABROAD TO INVEST IN THE STATE AND SUPPORT DEVELOPMENTAL EFFORTS OF GOVT

 Bayelsans in the diaspora have been urged to come back home and explore the enormous potentials of the State by investing in various sectors of the State’s economy. They have also been told to apply the knowledge acquired during their sojourn abroad to support the developmental efforts of Government as well assist in developing their communities.

 Governor Seriake Dickson who made the call while inauguration a 25-member Diaspora Mobilisation and Contact Committee in Government House, Yenagoa, noted that Bayelsa is in a hurry to develop and attain enviable heights in all critical sectors of human endeavour. He therefore charged the committee to encourage diaspora professionals to partner with government in bringing about the needed human capacity and infrastructural development in the state. “We have come to the stage in our development that we want to mobilise the resources of our people because our human resources are the most important resources at our disposal. Earlier, in the life of this administration, we knew that we were going to get to this point.  

That was why I appointed the Chairman of this Committee, Mr. Charles Preye Zuofa, as Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Mobilization. But I knew that just appointing one person would not be able to get the job done because of the magnitude and importance of the assignment”. Governor Dickson reiterated his administration’s vision of making Bayelsa the melting-pot of all Ijaws and urged the members of the committee to be good ambassadors of the state by promoting the cultural heritage of the Ijaw man. Apart from wooing donor agencies and non governmental organisations to partner with the state in the provision of medical supplies and other relief materials especially during emergencies, the committee is also expected to develop synergy for inter and intra cultural harmony as well as promote exchanges at all levels.

 The committee’s terms of reference, according to the Governor, also include building capacity for investment opportunities for corporate investors from Bayelsa in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. “You are to project Bayelsa as a tourist attraction to the diaspora community, friends and investors as well as encourage the teaching and learning of the Ijaw language, history and culture amongst our children in the diaspora”, he added.

 Responding, Chairman of the Diaspora Mobilisation and Contact Committee, Mr. Charles Preye Zuofa assured the Governor of the committee’s readiness to work together with the restoration team to actualize its agenda. The Chairman conveyed the appreciation of the delegation of the Bayelsa Diaspora community who attended the 2013 Boro Day Anniversary, saying they were impressed with the ongoing infrastructural development in the state. 

The committee has Tarela Diffa-Umeri as its Secretary while Mr. Lancelot Anyanya, Amagbe Kentebe and Inemo Samiama are to serve as members. Other members of the committee representing are United States based Francis Kabiowei Udisi, Dawari Long-John, Dr. David Ogula, Dr. Beniah Oye, Cordelia Neiketin-Tawari, Joseph Ebiware, Matthew Sikpi, Mrs. N. Akamande and Mrs. Regina Onyeibe. Members of the committee resident in the United Kingdom include Mr. Rowland Ekperi, Moa Anyamah, Professor Prince Efere, Peter Okorodudu and Funkezi Koroye-Crooks, while Mr. Shedrack Fubara is based in Canada. Pere-ere Owonaro, Juliet Pog’sosia and Dr. Kemekeyi Oti are based in Holland, France and Germany with Esther Boro and Justice Joffa in the Scandinavia and Ghana in West Africa respectively. 

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

BAYELSA GOVT RECEIVES SURVEY PLAN FOR AGGE DEEP SEAPORT

21/05/2013
BAYELSA GOVT RECEIVES SURVEY PLAN FOR AGGE DEEP SEAPORT

The Survey report of the proposed Agge Deep Seaport in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has been presented to the state Government by the Nigerian Army Engineers.The Deep Sea Port is to occupy an area of about eight thousand hectares, which is an increase from the initial seven thousand proposed for the facility.

Speaking after receiving the Survey report in Government House,Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson said the plan by the administrationto build a world class Deep Seaport in the State was now on course.His words, “Today, my dear people of Bayelsa State, you are now seeing in real terms, our plans to transform our economy beyond Oil and Gas. And, I have always said that, we are going to spare no effort in utilizing the maritime endowments of the state.“Our decision to build a world class deep sea port is now on course.What you are seeing today is the beginning of a long journey. 

I know we still have a long way to go before we have a deep sea port, but then we have started”.Hon. Dickson, who noted that the surveyed area extended over fifteen hectares of land, directed the Commissioner of Land and Survey to begin the process of enumeration as well as computation of the claimsand entitlements of the owners of the affected areas, to enable government commence the payment of adequate, fair and prompt compensations as required by law.

He commended the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps for the professional manner it undertook the assignment and expressed delight with the partnership, noting that it was the beginning of what will become a mutually beneficial relationship.“This is just the beginning of what will be a mutually beneficial long term relationship and partnership”, Governor Dickson assured the Nigerian Army.

He used the occasion to commend the Chief of Army Staff, for diligently carrying out his duties at such a critical stage in the nation’s nascent democracy, describing him as a loyal and hard working officer.

Earlier, the Commander, Engineers Corps, Nigerian Army, Major GeneralFunso Owonibi noted that, the assignment has been rewarding, addingthat the hydrographic Survey of the proposed deep seaport will soon be completed and presented to government.

General Owonibi expressed appreciation to the state government for the confidence reposed in the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, stating that the Army Engineers were carrying out other engineering related assignments in Abia, Anambra and Delta States.

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

BORO DAY: GOV DICKSON HONOURS REV JESSE JACKSON, DR. FASEUN, OTHERS

2013
BORO DAY: GOV DICKSON HONOURS REV JESSE JACKSON, DR. FASEUN, OTHERS

Activities commemorating the 2013 Major Isaac Adaka Boro Daycelebrations came to a climax yesterday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State withGovernor Seriake Dickson conferring an honorary citizenship of theState on African American human rights activist, Reverend JesseJackson.Governor Dickson also gave Reverend Jackson an Ijaw name,“Izontariowei” meaning he who loves Izon people.

He said the honour done the two-time United States presidentialaspirant was in recognition of his contributions to the promotion ofcivil liberties.Governor Dickson, who expressed appreciation to Reverend Jackson,guest speakers and all those who graced the occasion from far andnear, thanked them for identifying with the Ijaw Nation.Commenting on the life and times of Major Isaac Adaka Boro, firstcivilian Governor of the state, Chief Alamieyeseigha recalled his dayswith the late hero.He noted that, if Boro were alive today, he would have acted for thecommon good of the people.

In his remarks former Governor of the old Rivers State, King AlfredDiete-Spiff stated that, the ideals Boro lived and died for would bepursued because he paid the supreme prize for the Ijaws to have somelevel of recognition in the country.King Diete-Spiff also suggested that Oloibiri, where Boro was born,should be the name of the next state if states were to be created.The President of the Odua Peoples’ Congress, OPC, Dr. Fredrick Faseundescribed Isaac Boro as a worthy hero of the Niger Delta and thecountry and that the Ijaws have demonstrated how to resist oppression.

The OPC leader who said the congress shares in the pain of the peopleof the Niger Delta occasioned by the activities of crude oilexploration and exploitation, called for the passage of the PetroleumIndustry Bill (PIB).He stressed that in addition to President Goodluck Jonathan having theconstitutional right to go for a second term in office, it was timefor the country to give back to the Niger Delta for theircontributions to the economic survival of Nigeria.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of plaques containing thecrest of the Ijaw nation by the Governor to Reverend Jackson, formerPresidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Alhaji TankoYakassai, President of the Odua Peoples’ Congress, Dr. FredrickFasheun, among others.

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

AS BAYELSA DEV AND INVESTMENT CORP, (BDIC) OPENS REGIONAL OFFICE, PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR GREATER COOPERATION AMONG AFRICA’S BIG ECONOMIES, GIVE KUDOS TO BAYELSA GOVT

AS BAYELSA DEV AND INVESTMENT CORP, (BDIC) OPENS REGIONAL OFFICE, PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR GREATER COOPERATION AMONG AFRICA’S BIG ECONOMIES, GIVE KUDOS TO BAYELSA GOVT

President Goodluck Jonathan has called on African economies to close ranks as well as formulate policies that will attract critical investments to each other.This, he stated would bolster the economies of the individual countries in the continent and promote stronger socio political ties among African countries.President Jonathan stated this at the formal opening of the African regional office of the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, (BDIC) in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Finance, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, commended the decision of the Bayelsa State government to establish BDIC, noting that it will attract a lot of good things to the State and the country.He however urged the Bayelsa State Governor to put performance indicators in place to regularly monitor and measure the level of success as well as justify the establishment of the African regional office in Johannesburg, South Africa.President Jonathan used the occasion to explain that, the transformation agenda of the federal government has already initiated programmes to diversify the economy of the country and create jobs for its teeming youths.

According to him, apart from the nation’s film industry which has created so many job opportunities for the youths, because of its growing status as the third largest of its kind in the world, government is making investments in critical areas of the economy such as agriculture, housing as well as developing the solid mineral sectors of the economy, among others.

Also, speaking, South African President Jacob Zuma, who was represented by the country’s Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize expressed satisfaction with the existing political and economic ties between South Africa and Nigeria, noting the two countries have the potential to provide economic leadership for Africa.He commended the Bayelsa State Government for establishing the BDIC regional office in South Africa, adding that it will encourage and support various efforts of the outfit to attract investments to Nigeria to boost the economy of both countries.

Earlier in his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson had explained that the establishment of the BDIC was an expression of government’s determination to broaden and diversify the base of the state’s economy by investing in critical areas like tourism, agriculture and the maritime sector, among others.He said, it is also the conviction of government that, its investments in key areas of the economy coupled with agressive and purpoesful drive by the BDIC will attract the needed investors from strong economies of the world to Bayelsa State.

The Bayelsa State Chief Executive noted that, with BDIC’s presence in a strong economy like South Africa, the enormous potentials of the State will be better propagated for investments to flow in both directions to the overall benefit of the government and people of  Bayelsa State, especially in the post oil era.“With BDIC here, the Bayelsa story will be told the way we want it to be told.

Going forward, we are here to set up this office, the first of its kind in our country, knowing the strength of the South African economy and it is my hope and prayer that within the level of political cooperation, governments in Africa will formulate policies that will create wealth and spread prosperity among our people and nations”According to him, the establishment of the BDIC is Bayelsa’s modest contribution to what should be Africa’s collective endeavour to promote and stregthen economic cooperations and create wealth and spread prosperity among its people.

Governor reiterated the endless potentials and opportunities abound in the State and called on investors in South Africa, other parts of Africa and the world to take advantage of the conducive investment climate in the State.“Bayelsa is ready for investment. And, it is to its endless potentials that and opportunities that I invite you all to come and invest in.

First of all, the business community South Africa should come to Bayelsa State and take advantage of the crop of endless potentials and possibilities that are abound” In his opening remarks, Deputy Managing Director of the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, Mr Tamunoye Alazigha, had enumerated the task before BDIC to include attracting investors from all major markets and economies around the world, chart a diversified economic base, protect, stimulate and grow the wealth of all Bayelsans through responsive and sustainable investments that will turn the State to one of the top five state economies in Nigeria and Africa.

The high point of the well attended ceremony was the cutting of the tape and unveiling of plaque to formally launch the BDIC African regional office, which was performed by Governor Dickson, supported by the representatative of President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, Professor Mkhize and Nigeria’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke.

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

The Gubernatorial Interview.. "There was no time monies were kept in an Escrow account and paid to Bayelsa State."-Gov.Dickson

The Gubernatorial Interview
Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, recently met with some journalists in Yenagoa, the state capital, and used the forum to address some national issues.

Shola Oyeyipo was there

Excerpts: What’s your take on amnesty for Boko Haram?

On the issue of amnesty, I want to commend the President for his large heartedness in proposing amnesty, even for Boko Haram members. Of course, we all know that Boko Haram, whatever is driving them is very different from the factors that gave rise to the situation that we had here in the Niger Delta.

Whereas the insurgency in the Niger Delta was founded on economic issues, the one in Boko Haram is religious. So, there is a clear distinction and even with that the President has come up with amnesty.I think as a result of calls by some leaders in the affected areas so that amnesty can be given and they want to see whether that can make the difference. I think we should give it a chance.

Though those who say amnesty should not be extended to Boko Haram members also have a very strong point on account of the mindless and criminal, despicable and wanton destruction of properties and lives. And even now, from what we are reading, they seem to say they have not done anything wrong and they are rejecting amnesty. But on the part of the leader of a country, I think the President has done well by proposing amnesty.

Question:  Let’s discuss the crisis in your party against the birth of APC. Are you worried?

In politics, you are managing not just a clash of ideas and vision; it is also a clash, inevitably, of ego and all of that. So, democratic politics promotes diversity and diversity sometimes, generates conflict and tension. But the democratic system must be managed in such a way that democracy and the rule of law will at the end of the day, take care of all these things in their own time. So, what you are seeing as tension at the end of the day, will resolve itself.

On the APC, I want to use this opportunity to urge the leaders of the opposition to work hard to bring about a virile, effective and viable opposition. An opposition that will play by the rule, an opposition that will be in a position to confront the ruling party in a market place of ideas and vision. We are looking forward to virile debates on various issues; on economy, on national security.

If they are viable as a party, we want to engage then and let us see the alternative viewpoints that are contending for the minds and hearts of our people beyond issues of religion, ethnicity and zoning - that's the whole idea. The whole political engagement is all about grandstanding, manipulation, positioning and it sickens me, really.

So, for me, and I'm not speaking for my party; I'd be very happy to see a very virile, effective and well organised opposition because a democracy without an opposition is dictatorship.

Question.. What informed the idea of PDP Governors' Forum?

The Governors' Forum is primarily a mechanism for peer review of governors that are equal. You do not have to be a member of the Nigeria Governors' Forum to be a governor. Isn't it? Yes! It is just like your association, NUJ, whether you are there or not, you are functioning.

So the Governors' Forum is a platform for collaborating with the federal government on critical issues of development, national security and other challenges that come up. The Governors' Forum is not and should not be a platform for control of national politics, because we are not elected to run the country.

We, as governors are elected to manage our states. So the Governors' Forum cannot be allowed to go on as a trade union. Of course, that is wrong! What has happened is that people are taking advantage of the development and discontent in our system to manipulate it to suit their individual whims and caprices. But what is wrong is wrong!

Look at the United States Governors' Forum where we even copied it from, you don't see Governors' Forum there coming to tell Obama what he should and what he should not do.We are provincial players because our mandates are to lead our states and not to run the federation. Those who have a mandate to run the federation are the President, Vice President, the elected members of our National Assembly and the political leadership of the parties.

And if as a governor, I have any strong view on things that go on at the federal level, we have avenues; informal and formal- we have the National Economic Council.Over the years, governors of the PDP who became chairmen of the Governors' Forum- all attempted to use it as a platform for playing national politics- a platform for occupying national political space. It shouldn't be allowed! That's why the idea of the PDP Governors' Forum became necessary.

But you see, because there is manipulation of facts and our institutions are not yet strong enough, including the media - you are doing a very good job but not yet strong enough.You see things being manipulated as if anybody is disturbing anybody and instead of saying no, this thing you guys are doing is wrong.

People are saying as if "there is a crisis and somebody does not want somebody, no! PDP governors have the right to have their own group because the associative right is a first law in a democracy. ACN governors and others, even councillors have associations. There is so much focus on what goes on in the PDP.

If you are in the PDP, you will use the structure of the PDP to resolve problems; if you are not in the PDP you concentrate on your party and make it strong to defeat the PDP. You don't operate outside the PDP and control the PDP or want the PDP to do things according to your own dictate.

But if you are in a party, you must play according to the rules of your party or you get out. That is what is done all over.

Question...But what do you think of the crisis between the President and Governor Amaechi who are both members of the same party?

You should not equate a provincial player with elected President of the Federal Republic. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot have misunderstanding with a provincial player as a governor of Rivers State or any other governor for that matter. I don't know how you came by that.

That is why we must be careful because you are also very important players in our democracy. As governors, we are elected to run our states, no more - no less.If you want the mandate to run Nigeria, you contest an election for it. Don't do it through the back door. If you want to be a leader of opposition, you go to the opposition.

What is happening is that people are taking advantage of our weak institutions and our fledgling democracy such that sometimes you don't even know who belongs to where socially and politically. So, please, I'm not aware of any misunderstanding between the President of Nigeria and a provincial player like me who is a governor of a state.You are demeaning the President and you shouldn't do that in this country.

He (Amaechi) is the one that does that because every little thing, he brings in the President as if he is at the same level- at par with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But what we know is that for you to be a good leader, you must be a good follower first. So, I'm not aware and I'm not a presidential spokesman.

Question...What’s the state of the oil dispute between Bayelsa and Rivers?

This thing you talked about has been in existence for long, even before the creation of Bayelsa State. Even when these two local governments were in old Rivers State, commissions of enquiries were set up and so on and so forth.

As a governor, your responsibility is to use existing institutions to solve problems because there are statements you make that could inflate tensions and create instability.What I have been doing since this incident is to call for peace and I'm using our existing channels both within the Ijaw system because these people are all Ijaw people in case you don't know; the Kalabari are Ijaw people, the Nembe people in Bayelsa are Ijaw people. Just because of the way the country came into being and states were created and today we now find ourselves- some in Rivers and some in Bayelsa- they are not enemies.

For us as a state, what we have done is that we have submitted ourselves to federal institutions - we are cooperating with federal institutions. We have federal institutions like the Boundary Commission; we have the Revenue Allocation and Mobilisation and all of that.

When they came, we were ready but unfortunately, even the people who were shouting - come to the table and establish, pulled out.They are more interested in using it for political grandstanding and for any other thing. But I think that the system will take its course. Remember they have now gone to court and lost.

And let me use this opportunity to also clear this disinformation; there was no time any money was paid to Bayelsa from the so-called Escrow account. There was no time monies were kept in an Escrow account and paid to Bayelsa State. No!What happened was that Akwa-Ibom, Abia, Delta, Bayelsa - all the neighbouring states had issues and they now deducted funds from us and paid to Rivers State. They also now, on another claim, deducted some money from Rivers State and other states and paid to Bayelsa. So, whereas we received N15 billion, Rivers State received N17 billion! Now, was that money from an Escrow account?

BAYELSA GOVT DISTRIBUTES FREE SCHOOL UNIFORMS, BOOKS, AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS TO SCHOOLS, AWARD N550M CONTRACT FOR MORE TEXT BOOKS AND UNIFORMS

BAYELSA GOVT DISTRIBUTES FREE SCHOOL UNIFORMS, BOOKS, AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS TO SCHOOLS, AWARD N550M CONTRACT FOR MORE TEXT BOOKS AND UNIFORMS

 Bayelsa State Government has commenced the distribution of free uniforms, text books and other materials valued at N776m to primary and secondary school pupils in the State in line with the present administration’s free and compulsory education policy. 

Also, the State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson announced the award of a contract for the supply of additional text books to secondary schools worth N500m, additional an approval of N50m to local government areas for the provision of school uniforms.Leading other notable dignitaries including Chairman of the British African Alliance; David Smith, South Africa Counsellor for Political and Economic Affairs, Thandi Mkowaki at the flag off ceremony for the distribution of Free Education Materials held inside the Banquet Hall of Government House, Yenagoa, the Governor said the distribution of Free Educational materials was in line with the cardinal objectives of his administration.

The distribution of Free Education materials, according to the Governor kicked off with the provision of school materials including uniforms to 100,000 pupils in the State while delivery of additional 100,000 will be taken in due course.Noting the increasing number of pupils and students in schools, Hon. Dickson said it has become necessary for Government to make additional provision for those at the grass root level. ‘As at now, we have only 100,000 uniforms to give, we have another 100,000 uniforms yet to be delivered but even until those ones come, we are giving N5m to six local governments based on their population, while Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw will have N10m each.

This is just the first instalment. We want you to try your best, work prudently and ensure that these things go down well. We know that it will not be enough, once you exhaust it, you come back to us and we will make more releases.‘‘As part of our empowerment programme, the contract for the sowing of the additional uniforms will be awarded to the competent fashion designers in each of the local government areas”.

On the new contract for the provision of additional text books, the Governor said it was to ensure that all the students and pupils in the State benefit from the scheme.Describing education as an instrument of change and prosperity, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the standard of education, adding that with sound educational policy, the State will rank among the best in the comity of states.

“When I took over a mantle of leadership over a year ago, I declared a State of Emergency in the sector, education for us is an instrument of change, promoting development, prosperity and safeguarding the future of our state.

Earlier in his address, the State Commissioner of Education, Chief Salo Adikumo disclosed that, government spent N180m for the provision of 100,000 pairs of uniform, N480m for 1,860,000,000 text books, N114m for 512,000 note books, N1,470,000 for 980 school bags, N300,000 for 1,016,000 pairs of socks, in addition to the provision of 483,000 pairs of shoes.

Highlighting the achievements of the present administration, Hon. Adikumo said the government has embarked on the reconstruction of over 200 dilapidated public primary and secondary school buildings across the state.He explained that, some of the structures are being remodelled to provide for ICT, libraries, science laboratories, and toilet facilities.

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

BAYELSA SIGNS MOU FOR A NEW 100MW GAS TURBINE, PROJECT TO DELIVERED BEFORE END OF 2013

BAYELSA SIGNS MOU FOR A NEW 100MW GAS TURBINE, PROJECT TO DELIVERED BEFORE END OF 2013 

In the quest to deliver uninterrupted power supply to Bayelsans and set the pace for industrialization, the Bayelsa State Government has signed a memorandum of Understanding with IPP Energy Limited and GMB Leasing Partners for the development of 100 Mega Watts Gas Turbine Power Station in the State. 

 Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Seriake Dickson described the agreement with the Energy partners as a validation of Government’s at boosting electricity supply and making Bayelsa an investment haven. The Gas Turbine Power Station, which will be located at Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state, has the capacity to achieve the feat when completed.

 In his words: I am delighted to be a witness to the consummation of this partnership today. We are a state that is in a hurry for development and so we are everywhere talking to people to come and invest in the new Bayelsa so, this partnership is a confirmation of all our efforts geared towards making our state an attractive investment destination.

This is a vote of confidence that Bayelsa is ready for business and that Bayelsa is a good place to invest.” Governor Dickson, who stressed the importance of electricity to the growth of any economy, said it was in realization of Government’s drive for investment that it established the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, BDIC to attract investments to the sector.  

He expressed optimism that the IPP Energy Limited would live up to its contractual obligation and deliver the project in record time. In his speech, the Vice President of the IPP Energy Limited, Mr. Augustine Akwesehor said they would commence work on the power project without delay to meet the power needs of the people of the state.  

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

GOV DICKSON DONATES N250M TO SME TRUST FUND, URGES MULTI-NATIONALS TO CONTRIBUTE TO FUND

GOV DICKSON DONATES N250M TO SME TRUST FUND, URGES MULTI-NATIONALS TO CONTRIBUTE TO FUND

 Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has made an initial donation of N250 million to the development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Trust Fund in the state. Governor Dickson made the donation at the Small and Medium scale Enterprises Summit, MSME Opportunity Fair and Entrepreneurial Capacity Building Workshop with the theme, “Re-Orientation; A Necessary Key To Wealth Creation and Restoration Through SMEs”, in Yenagoa, the State capital. 

The Governor urged all, especially the multinational oil companies operating in the state to donate generously to the trust fund; stressing that working together they could enthrone enduring peace and stability in the state for businesses to thrive. He also enjoined businessmen and women to adopt the young entrepreneurs in the state’s mentorship programme, describing SMEs as a catalyst for self-reliance and industrial development.

 While highlighting the challenges bedeviling the sector in the state, Hon. Dickson decried the situation where Bayelsa has been turned into what he referred to as “a dumping ground” as 90 percent of what the people consume is produced outside the state. To tackle the problem militating against SMEs, the Governor advocated that empowerment programmes should be targeted at more women than men as they hold the key to fighting poverty.

 In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Mr. Ayakeme Massah, stressed the importance of small businesses in the creation of wealth and jobs to grow the economy of the state. The Senior Special Assistant on SMEs, Mr. Ebiekare Eradiri presented a summary of the report of the state’s SME Mentoring Scheme and noted that a N10 billion target is expected in the SMEs Development Trust Fund.

 Representative of the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr. Olawale Fasanya, said the agency was in the state to address the problems associated with SMEs.    In their separate speeches, the South African Counsellor for Political and Economic Affairs, Thandi Nkowati and Guest Speaker living in the United Kingdom, Chief Bimbo Afolayan, said SMEs play a vital role in economies especially developing ones as they contribute 57 percent to Gross Domestic Product. They identified inability to access funds and skills as challenges in the sector and advocated partnership with the Small and Medium scale Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, (SMEDAN).  

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