From Nwadike Ugochukwu, Port-Harcourt
Governor Seriake Dickson’s re-election bid has received a boost as over 400 coalition of Non Governmental Organisations and civil society groups mobilised support for him at a mega rally tagged: ‘Operation Reject Sylva and APC’ in Bayelsa.
The groups with over 5,000 memberships from all the eight constitutionally recognised local government areas of the state converged on the popular Peace Park in Yenagoa, to demonstrate their support and readiness to ensure that, the governor is re-elected for another four-year term.
Commending the efforts of the Governor Dickson led administration, especially in the areas of peace and security, education, primary health care and job creation; the groups said this necessitated their call for his re-election.
Speaking on behalf of the leaders of the various groups represented at the occasion, the former Speaker, old Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joseph Kemeagbeye, said the groups would not rest on their oars until the set goal of returning Dickson is achieved.
Describing the developmental strides of the present administration as unprecedented, the former lawmaker said, if Dickson could achieve so much in less than four years in office, then giving him another opportunity, Bayelsa would rank as one of the best among the comity of states.
He said, “While other states are taking both local and foreign loans, Dickson is busy repaying debt owed by the immediate past administration. Also, it is on record, that Bayelsa remains one of the few states in the federation that is not owing its workforce.”
“I make bold to say that, Governor Dickson has been able to liberate Bayelsa state. Unlike in the past, people can now sleep with their two eyes closed. Also, some communities in the hinterland are now accessible by road.”
“People should ask APC and its flag bearer to show their achievements, while in office as the third civilian governor of the state, in spite of the huge allocation from the Federation account.”
“With these numerous achievements, we the members of the NGO and civil society groups have no option than to queue behind Governor Seriake Dickson on the 5th of December, 2015.”
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), said the present administration in the last couple of years has made huge investment in security, which, he noted is a prerequisite for development.
According to him, government has created access to rural areas as evident in the construction of the multi billion naira Ogbia- Nembe road, Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge road and the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road. “I can now drive to my community in Nembe without stress.”
Also contributing, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson stressed that Governor Dickson deserves a second term, given the impressive performance, noting that, under the present leadership over 50 bills were passed into law as compared to the 15 bills passed under the former Governor, Timipre Sylva.
Speaking, a lawmaker representing Yenagoa, Kolokuma/ Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of representatives, Hon. Douye Diri, urged the people to rally round Governor Dickson, submitting that he has demonstrated sufficient commitment to the overall wellbeing of the state and Ijaw nation.
Also, an elder statesman and former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chief Thompson Okorotie, said his decision to mobilize support for Dickson is hinged on his developmental strides.
He noted that, a vote for the PDP would guarantee continuity of good governance, development and progress for the state.
Responding, the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson expressed appreciation to the organisers of Save Bayelsa Movement rally, describing the event as heartwarming.
He said his administration owe posterity a legacy of sustainable development, a secured future and human capacity development, which have been the cardinal objectives of the Restoration government.
While thanking the people of the state for their support over the past three and half years, Governor Dickson said the coming election would be conducted on a one man, one vote basis, submitting that there will be no room for rigging.
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