National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
By Amos Okioma
The Bayelsa State Government on Thursday said it would showcase to the world some of the achievements of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson in the last six years.
The laudable achievements,it said, had placed the state on higher pedestal of development.
Consequently, the government has concluded plans to roll out the drums as it celebrates with pomp and fanfare its sixth anniversary of remarkable success.
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, stated this in an interview with Government House Correspondents shortly after the 88th State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.
According to him, preparations are in top gear to ensure that the week long programme is not only hitch free but achieves its desired purpose of telling the story of the new Bayelsa under Governor Henry Seriake Dickson.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, also gave a run down of some of the projects to be commissioned which includes; The Bayelsa Diagnostic Center, The Bayelsa State Specialist Hospital and the Drug Distribution Center.
Others he said are the 500 fish pond at Yenegwe, the Igbogene/Gloryland drive which is a dual carriage way with streetlights, Cultural Boulevard, the Ox Bow lake Pavillion, the five Secretariat Annexes, among others.
Iworiso-Markson who stated that a press conference will be held at the weekend to fully unveil the sixth anniversary programme also said even after the occasion more landmark projects will be commissioned especially those in the power sector such as the rural electrification scheme.
On his part, the Secretary to the State Government, Kemela Okara explained that aside the projects to be commissioned there will also be other lined up programmes to celebrate the Restoration Government at six.
Also speaking, Bayelsa State Head of Service, Reverend Thomas Zidafamo said that the BSEC equally discussed the ongoing public sector reforms which revealed some very shocking discoveries.
He added that government was short of declaring a state of emergency in the public service arising from the many cases of certificate forgeries, age falsification resulting in too many over aged workers in the system and a bloated number of the workforce.
The over bloated workforce, according to him, has made it a habit to stay away from work.
The HoS said, piqued at by this ugly development, severe measures will be taken in accordance with the civil service rules to deal decisively with those found culpable.
Meanwhile, the Special Assistant to the governor on Non – Indigenes Affairs ( Arewa Community ) Alhaji Sani Yakubu had applauded the governor on his strides as the state marks her six years anniversary.
According to him the Arewa Community in Bayelsa state will eternally remain appreciative and grateful for appointing one of their into the restoration government of Governor Seriake Dickson , stressing that when the Emir of Nasarawa Alhaji Isah Mustapha Agwai 1 CFRC paid courtesy call on the governor , the emir not only commended the governor on his numerous strides, but urged the Arewa Community in Bayelsa state to rally support for the governor who had provided peace and tranquility for all the non indigenous communities to do business.
Alhaji Sani Yakubu who is a dealer in Yams praised the governor peace and security without which no meaning business can be transacted.
He described the recent free, fair and credible election of the Executive of the Arewa Community in Bayelsa state that produced Alhaji Abubakar Adam Balis as Chairman as a litmus test of the unity, oneness and cooperation and called its members to rally support for the new chairman.He also use the opportunity to call on all members of Arewa community living in Bayelsa state to live in harmony with the host government that has good intentions for all none indigenes and had proved that love by appointing non indigenes into his government.
He also commended the governor,s achievements in road construction, health care, Agriculture and other people oriented programs as well as the Cattle Ranch Management Committee which has earned Bayelsa state a state that has not recorded any clash between the herdsmen and farmers.
