Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has advised the people of Bayelsa State not to despair despite the challenges of the present time. He urged all Bayelsans and the Ijaw Nation to rekindle their hope in the greatness of the state and the country, for if Bayelsa is great, Nigeria will be great again!
The Governor, in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo gave the charge in his message to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the state’s creation as well as the 57th independence anniversary of Nigeria.
While paying glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Bayelsa State, Governor Dickson acknowledged their immeasurable sacrifice that resulted in Bayelsa becoming a reality.
“But for the sacrifice, zeal, commitment and dedication of our founding fathers, Bayelsa would have remained a mere dream.
“As I reflect on their role today, I can only but rededicate myself and the Restoration Government I lead to the development ideals of the Bayelsa founding fathers. This inspires a renewed commitment to uphold, meet and even surpass the expectations of those who laid the foundation on which we are building on. My administration will never disappoint the founding fathers and the people of the state who gave us this mandate, which to us is sacred” he assured.
According to the Governor, the 21st anniversary of the creation of the state is special because amongst other things, it coincides with the 57th Independence of Nigeria on Sunday, October 1. The Governor therefore calls on Bayelsans and all Nigerians to take advantage of the double celebrations to reflect on where we were, where we are now and where we ought to be as a nation.”
“I therefore urge all Bayelsans and indeed Nigerians to rekindle hope in the state and in our country. We might not have attained the height we expect but it is also true that we are not where we were.
“Progress and development is block upon block. Gradually but steadily, we are making good progress. Our vision and commitment to a better Bayelsa and stronger Ijaw nation remain unwavering,” he said.
The governor solicited the cooperation and support of all Bayelsans and the Ijaw nation irrespective of political differences, noting that building a great state requires the support of everyone.
The Governor appreciates the goodwill of the people and promised to consolidate on the enviable gains of the Restoration Government in the last five years. He assured that he will continue to run an all-inclusive and open government for all Bayelsans.
He called on all Bayelsan leaders who have served and are still serving the state in different capacities not to wage unnecessary battles of division that has stopped the state from attaining its full potential, but to use their time and resources to support development in the state for the betterment of all.
Governor Dickson equally congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians on the country’s independence anniversary. While reiterating his call on Nigerians not to give up on the country, the Governor said the challenges confronting Nigeria are surmountable if we all work together with faith in God as a people, irrespective of religion, tribe, creed, social – cultural and political affiliations. Governor Dickson is confident that if we work together as a people, Nigeria will rise again and ” if Nigeria rises again, Africa will as well, rise again”