SOKU OIL WELLS: The Bayelsa State Governor visits the Rivers community.

SOKU OIL WELLS: The Bayelsa State Governor visits the Rivers community.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Monday visited Abonnema, the headquarters of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers apparently to mend fences for the Soku oil wells ceded to Bayelsa by the federal government.The oil wells have been a major source of dispute between the neighbouring states.

The Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has also accused President Goodluck Jonathan of ceding the oil wells to Bayelsa because that was the president’s home state.Mr. Dickson called on Ijaws to build bridges of unity across the country and speak with one voice in pursuance of their collective interests.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Amayanabo of Abonnema, Disrael Bob-Manuel, Mr. Dickson expressed gratitude to the people for their show of understanding and maturity in handling the Soku-Oluasiri oil wells dispute.“The first thing I will like to say is to appreciate you, your chiefs and indeed all the wonderful people of your kingdom for their show of maturity in handling some of the issues that have come between us as brothers.

“You are all aware of the long-standing unfortunate disagreement between our major Ijaw brothers here and those in the Nembe clan, which dispute as you know predates even the creation of Bayelsa State. It is an unfortunate chapter in our history as Ijaw people.“But the important thing is when disputes, which are inevitable in the course of human interactions, take place, it is important that we have the right frame of mind and show understanding and maturity to move for an amicable settlement,” Mr. Dickson said.He said in line with his administration’s policy of ensuring peaceful co-existence among the Ijaws, the Bayelsa State Government under his watch would do everything within its reach to achieve amicable resolution of the dispute.

He emphasized the need for leaders in the region to close ranks and utilize the resources of Ijaw land to develop the region rather than cause disaffection among its kith and kin.Mr. Dickson commended the people for complementing government’s efforts through self-help projects in developing their area and upholding the rich Ijaw cultural heritage.He also saluted them for supporting the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Responding, Mr. Bob-Manuel expressed gratitude to the governor for the visit, noting that it would go a long way in strengthening the bonds of unity between the people of Rivers and Bayelsa States.

Commenting on the dispute, he expressed satisfaction with the way the issue was handled by the president and urged other stakeholders to address the matter dispassionately.He called on the Federal Government to prevail on the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) to complete ongoing land reclamation projects which according to him has suffered serious setbacks over the years.

“We went to the Aso Rock Villa and we had a very fruitful meeting with the President. I was not shocked but impressed by his humility, candour and openness and we believe that these issues will be resolved amicably,” the royal father said.

Mr. Bob-Manuel also called for the resuscitation of a sea port that existed in the-colonial era to boost socio-economic activities and rehabilitation of the only girls secondary school in the area.

Mr. Dickson was accompanied on the visit by the supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike; and the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus.Others are Rivers State Chairman of PDP, Felix Obuah; Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Edmund Oguru, among
others.

By Arodiegwu Eziukwu
From premium times online

How Gov. Dickson is Transforming Bayelsa.

INTERVIEW
Works and Infrastructure Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Hon. Lawrence Ewhrudjako, speaks on how Governor Seriake Dickson has turned the state into a huge construction site.

Excerpts:
What has the Dickson administration been able to put in place so far in order to develop the state and attract investments?

Well, what His Excellency, Governor Seriake Dickson, has put in place is quite massive; massive to the extent that all the facets of development and tourism have been well greased by the governor. I say this because even in the tourism sub-sector, there is a lot of work going on there. We are developing our infrastructure in two categories: what we call the social infrastructural and then the investment infrastructural development.

The investment infrastructural development is intended to attract investments while the social infrastructural investment development is undertaken as a duty and obligation of government, which has a duty to provide social amenities to the people of the state. In that vein, we have the Outer Ring Road, which is under construction- the outer Ring Road is like the Nnamdi Azikiwe Road that is around Abuja and the essence of the road is to decongest the Yenagoa City Centre so that people are not held up unnecessarily.To ensure that that is achieved, we are developing another six-side profiled roads; we call them Road 24, Road 30, Road 38, Road 21, Road 27c, Road 31 and Road 28. These roads are all emptying from the Isaac Boro Road, which we are dualising into the outer ring road so if there is traffic congestion anywhere, you can just sneak through any of the dualised roads into the outer ring road.

What we are doing in Yenagoa is that all internal roads have dual carriageways. We have taken note of all the single-lane roads in the capital and we are going to expand them because some of them are less than six metres. All we want to do is to construct standard 8-metres road across the capital so that we can have standard drive ways, walk ways, flowers, street light and drainage.

For the investment infrastructural development, we are building an airport at Amassoma and we are also building a deep seaport at Agge. To ensure that the hinterlands are also taken care of, we are constructing the Three Senatorial Road. One of the roads is the 38-Km Oporoama Road, which we started early this year. Already we have done four kms with asphalt and 6.6 kms with stone base and 9.8km sand filling.At km 15 of the road, we are putting a major bridge that will be crossing to Oporoma.

So with that, we are sure, we are opening up that part of the state for investment and development. Towards Bayelsa West, we are doing the Tororowa-Ekeremo-Agge Road. On that road, we have achieved 3.5 kms of sand filling and they are working hard to do the first level of asphalting. We are stockpiling sand for them to backfill and quicken the work.After that we will take the next road to ensure that all the three Senatorial districts in the state are provided with major roads that will open the areas up.

Question: What is the state doing to checkmate crime?

We are also providing adequate security across the state because we cannot do anything without security. Synonymous with development is peace and security and we have consciously built the Integrated Security and Command Centre, which will enable us to monitor what is going on across the state and we are also installing Closed Circuit Television Cameras in all strategic places in the state.

There is already a law that may compel all hotel operators in the state to mount CCTV cameras in their facilities to monitor what goes on in those places at all times. You know that before now criminality was walking on the streets of Yenagoa but today, that has been effectively contained by the present administration of Governor Seriake Dickson. So nobody can commit a crime in the state and successfully hide away.

So in terms of infrastructure, the government is laying a very solid base in the city and across the state. We are also constructing two major flyovers in the capital, Yenaoga to ease traffic and make life very easy for road users. In the next few weeks we are going to pay compensation to those whose houses have been affected by the flyover project. We are going to pay over N1.2 billion to house owners, whose details have been worked out.It is quite huge because the area is built-up already. I can say that since we came into office, we have paid over N3.4 billion as compensation to enable us to undertake our development projects.

We are having two problems in the course of development of infrastructure. The first is difficult terrain that makes our cost of construction very high and built up areas which require payment of compensation to demolish and build.So in terms of preparation, I think the necessary foundation has been laid in the past one year and we are building on that foundation. I believe that in the next two years given the speed that the governor is going in his silent revolution in infrastructural development, a new Dubai would have emerged in Bayelsa State.The Impression outsiders have is that there is only one road in Bayelsa and the rest is water.

Question: So what has the administration done to increase accessibility to and from Yenagoa?

We have done a lot. First, the Outer Ring Road is one and the other is the road to Amassoma. We are constructing a bridge at Torogbeni, which has 12-span. Work on the bridge is progressing and once the water recedes, more attention would be paid to it. Before the end of March, that road would have been completed. That road will take us strait to Sagbama. We are not going to have only one road coming into Bayelsa.We are going to have three roads into Bayelsa. Even the Glory Land Drive Phase 2 is part of what we are doing to open up another vista from which you can get into Yenagoa not necessarily from Mbiama. We are trying to diversify the roads through which one can access Yenagoa, the state capital with ease.

Question: What are you doing to industrialise the state?

We believe that after putting a conducive atmosphere in place, the investments will roll in. We have done a lot in terms of attracting investments. There is no week that passes without the governor receiving requests from groups and individuals for investment. We are looking at investments from two fronts: tourism and the oil industry and agro-based industry.As we speak we have established a starch production plant in Eberebiri and a Cassava farm, a banana farm, and green farm and an aquaculture farm for production and export. We also have plans to revive our palm estates.

We have put up at least 50 houses in each of the Local Government Areas and major towns. Within Yenagoa, we have three major housing estates and the Golf Estate that is coming up for the big players and a tourist island.In case of power generation, the state has just signed a contract with IPP America for the generation of additional 120 megawatts of power to add to what we have. We are also looking at power clusters scheme with hydro electricity.

Curled from the Vanguard news online

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

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

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

THANK YOU TOUR: GOV DICKSON SALUTES BAYELSANS FOR WARM RECEPTION

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 READS RIOT ACT TO KIDNAPPERS, CULTISTS IN BAYELSA

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 SUSPENDS NINE TEACHERS FOR DERELICTION OF DUTY

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

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

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

DICKSON RESTATES COMMITMENT TO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES

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

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

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 SIGNS N42.2BN SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET INTO LAW

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

2015: DICKSON WARNS YOUTHS AGAINST HOOLIGANISM, POLITICAL VIOLENCE

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

2/12/2013

GOV DICKSON READS RIOT ACT TO KIDNAPPERS, CULTISTS IN BAYELSA

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

HARD TIMES AWAIT OIL THIEVES, PIPELINE VANDALS IN BAYELSA

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

ANOTHER DANGOTE TRUCK CAUGHT IN ILLEGAL OIL BUNKERING

A couple of days ago, during a visit to the operation Doo Akpor camp base along Imiringi road, yenagoa, We were taken aback by the presence of a Dangote Truck Caught While Bunkering stolen diesel products. What was so peculiar about this particular oil theft story was the Involvement of a Dangote Truck and driver. Dangote  is a respected brand name in Africa, The Dangote Group is the largest industrial conglomerate in West Africa and one of the largest in Africa. It generated revenue in excess of US$2 billion in 2011.

The group which is one of the leading diversified business conglomerates in Africa is associated with a chain of businesses ranging from production of cements, flours, Rice, Pasta, Sacks, sugar, etc but not yet with oil. Perhaps this was the reason why it was surprising to the men of operation Doo Akpor patrol team when during a random search discovered oil stocked in sack bags meant for flour, cement and rice.

When that story broke out, a lot of mixed reactions followed, Some shared the opinion that it was just one corrupt Dangote Truck driver, Another opinion was for the security Agencies to be vigilant as there has been some speculations about a syndicate of oil thiefs and Dangote trucks as the perfect Bunkering vehicles.

The later might not be far from the truth because only yesterday another Dangote truck with the registration number YKS 114 XA, Jigawa (ICT 4A 008) was busted with stolen diesel products by the men of operation Doo Akpor. Like the previous one, the diesel was concealed in what looks like bags of Flour from a distance, but actually contained over 50 litters of nylon sealed diesel products.

The Driver of The truck, his conductor and one Mr.Ibrahim who during an interview with our press crew confessed on camera that the products belonged to him, and he has been running illegal oil Bunkering operations from Bayelsa for sometime. When questioned on how he has been able to carry out his illegal trade successfully in a town filled with different security outfits he had this to say.  " Na settlements. I dey settle police, but when this Doo Akpor men catch us, I try to settle them, them no gree" In his words.

No meaningful information was gotten from the truck driver or his conductor who only spoke Hausa. The three (3) men were being held at the camp cell in the Doo Akpor base waiting to be transferred to the state command of The Nigerian police. All efforts to reach the police command prooved abortive as at the time of filling this report.

Matilda Angaye
7-12-2013

PRICE OF SERVICE: SOLDIERS DIE IN A BOAT MISHAP IN BAYELSA STATE.

Yenagoa — The remains of two soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force, who died in a boat mishap, weekend, in the creek of Nembe in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have been recovered.

A security source in the coastal area told Vanguard that the bodies of two of the three soldiers that drowned were recovered yesterday by search parties involving local divers and operatives of the Joint Task Force while one is still missing.

The source, however, added that the search for a third personnel and the soldiers' rifles in the mangrove creek was ongoing.The soldiers, who were said to be on their way to take over duties from their colleagues at a security post in Nembe, died when the boat in which they were travelling was hit by violent wave and it capsized.

The mishap, according to the source, occurred at about 4 pm, Saturday, along the Nembe-Obioku creek in the Bayelsa East senatorial district."Two of the corpses were recovered from the river this morning (yesterday) while search is ongoing for the third soldier and their rifles.

Their boat was said to have lost control and capsized after it was hit by violent storm," the security source who pleaded anonymity said.Media Coordinator, JTF, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, had on Sunday when contacted on the unfortunate incident blamed the boat mishap on high tidal current along the river.Nwachukwu who said the information about the incident was still sketchy, however, added that only one of the soldiers had been declared missing.

He said: "Information reaching me confirmed that there was an unfortunate boat mishap resulting from high tidal current along the river."Rescue boats were immediately dispatched to salvage the situation. An operative was reportedly missing and search and rescue efforts are ongoing. Casualty details are not yet known."

By Samuel Oyadongha
From Vanguard
3 December 2013

DICKSON SEEKS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF LONG TERM FOREIGN INVESTORS IN BAYELSA ……. JOINS NOTABLE GLOBAL ECONOMIC LEADERS IN PROFFERING SOLUTIONS TO AFRICAN ECONOMIES

DICKSON SEEKS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF LONG TERM FOREIGN INVESTORS IN BAYELSA

……. JOINS NOTABLE GLOBAL ECONOMIC LEADERS IN PROFFERING SOLUTIONS TO AFRICAN ECONOMIES

The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia showcased the investment potentials of the State to the rest of the World, calling on long term investors to avail themselves of the opportunities that abound in theState.

This is just as he called for active participation of the Organized Private Sector in the growth of African economic markets.

Making this known at 2013 African High- Growth Markets summit: the emergence of an aspirational African consumer organized by the The Economist which had in attendance notable political and economic leaders such as the Ethiopian Finance and Economic Development Minister, Sufian Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom International, Romeo Khumalo, the Bayelsa State Governor expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with foreign investors in tourism, maritime, agriculture, energy and infrastructure sectors.

He disclosed that his administration would like to collaborate with long term foreign investors rather than portfolio investors, stressing that his administration has put in place an enabling environment at ensuring the success of investments in the State.

His words, ‘we want investors that are willing to take advantage of emerging opportunities in Bayelsa state. We want long term investors to partner with the State. Most of the big ticket projects that we talked about, that my Government is passionate about are really long term in nature, especially the development of the Airport and the Agge deep seaport . These are long term investments. Also the Government is looking at Investments in big time aquaculture, rice plantation and these are all capital intensive projects.

The perfect investor that we will like to see in Bayelsa is an investor that is prepared to take advantage of emerging opportunities and somebody who is willing to come into new frontiers and be part of exploration and not a conventional investor who wants to come in when every other investor has already taken the position. Come and position yourselves in Bayelsa. Work with us to build the new Dubai.

On the Heritage Oil Company and plans to create 30,000 jobs, the Governor said, ‘it is an example of a perfect investor that we are looking for. Heritage Oil company in UK came to partner and do business with us. We are actually investing in the creation of a new company; Petrobay to bid for oil blocs to position us in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Bayelsa is the headquarters of oil and gas in Nigeria. That is the type of investor we are looking for. There are others that have come like IPP. There are others working with us from Denmark on cassava production which is going to be the biggest cassava farm in the Country.

Also in his address, the Vice-President of China-Africa Development Fund, Wang Yong called for concerted efforts of the countries in the continent in proffering lasting solutions to the factors militating against the growth of African economies.

He said, his country through investments, is contributing to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of African nations, adding, ‘we have full confidence in African markets. We believe in Africa today. China manages development fund across Africa.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
02/12/2013

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF IJAW ELDERS AND LEADERS OF THOUGHT HELD IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE , YENAGOA ONSUNDAY 30TH NOVEMEBER 2013

 COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF IJAW ELDERS AND LEADERS OF THOUGHT HELD IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE , YENAGOA ONSUNDAY  30TH NOVEMEBER 2013 

A one day meeting of Ijaw elders and leaders of thought took place in Government House, Yenagoa on Sunday 30thNovember 2013. The meeting which was presided over by the Chairman of Ijaw National Conference Pa E. K. Clark , had in attendance over 200 leaders of thought of Ijaw extraction drawn from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers and Ondo States.

 2.      The Consultative Meeting expressed great grief over the demise of the leader of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), late Senator Dr. Tari Sekibo, Odoabaji the Seventh  . The meeting observed one minute silence in honour of the INC leader.

 3.      The discussion focused on several issues of interest and concern to the people of Ijaw ethnic nationality and Nigeria in general. Amongst other things these include; 

i.       The state of the Nigerian Nation dwelling on national security, economic and social development. 
ii.      Political developments in Nigeria especially the National Dialogue, peace and stability and the move towards 2015 elections. 

4.      After exhaustive deliberations, the consultative meeting noted as follows;

i.       That the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government led by President Goodluck Jonathan is making steady progress in various areas. . These include rehabilitation of roads, railways and airports nationwide; Power sector reforms; The completion of NIPP projects; Job creation through SURE P and YouWin; Massive healthcare reform through upgrading and modernatization of Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres; Agricultural Transformation including enhanced production of rice and staples; Unprecedented Investment Inflow and so on.
 ii.      That President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has brought Nigeria to an uncommon level of International respect, acceptance and prestige as reflected in outcome of recent visits to South Africa, Kenya, China, United States, Israel , and in Nigeria’s recent election into the United Nations Security Council. iii.     The Federal Government has achieved remarkably well in restoring peace to various troubled parts of the country ravaged by the Boko Haram menace. The measures taken by the Federal Government is yielding positive results.
 iv.     That the decision of the Federal Government to create a platform for discussion, dialogue and brotherly exchange of ideas underscores its commitment to addressing the yearnings of its people is commendable.                
 v.      That the determination of the Federal Government to continue to uphold he rule of law, Due process and constitutionalism in the nations body polity, especially in the match towards 2015 underscores its commitment towards building on the globally acclaimed success and transparency in the 2011 elections and subsequent polls.  

5.      After elaborate discussions, the Consultative Meeting affirmed and resolved as follows;
 i.                                 Expresses its vote of confidence in President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his uncommon commitment to the progress, peace, harmony and stability of the country.
 ii.                               Appreciate the support given to Mr. President by other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. 
iii.                             Calls on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to remain steadfast in his labour and his toil and service to this great country.
 iv.                             Calls on all Nigerians to work with the Federal Government to build a Nigerian Nation in peace and progress.     
 v.                               Condemns the various voices of distraction aimed at thwarting the lofty achievements of the Federal Government     

    Dated in  Yenagoa , 30th November 2013.