Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa
Outgoing Bayelsa Governor, Seriake Dickson, has inaugurated the multi-billion Bayelsa International Airport built by his administration.
The Governor also berated the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for allegedly playing politics with the project.
Dickson said the opposition elements were spreading lies to discredit the project.
He appealed to the federal government to give the airport all the necessary permits required for its smooth take-off.
He also called on the All Progressive Congress (APC) led-federal governmen to build a befitting terminal building for international flights.
He said the existing terminal building completed by his government would be used for local flights.
Dickson said his government single handedly sand-filled the airport without any assistance from the federal government.
He said: “The airport is one of best in the country. It has latest equipment in the aviation industry.
“It will bring the world to the Ijaw nation and open up Bayelsa State for rapid development.
“We want to use this opportunity to call on NCAA and the federal government to as a matter of urgency issue the necessary permits to enable the airport take off.
“This airport will outlive all of us and will continue to serve the Ijaw Nation and the whole world”.
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Dickson commended former Governor, late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha for his role in the process that led to the airport projects.
He named the Yenagoa-Amassoma road linking the airport after the late governor, saying Alamieseigha conceived the project while he was Governor.
He said contrary to claims from the opposition, the airport was never flooded adding that it was an attempt by his detractors to demarket the project.
The governor further advised his successor to continue with his strides insisting that his administration was opened to scrutiny.
Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of old Rivers state, Alfred Diete-Spiff, described the airport as a giant step for the Ijaw man
He thanked Dickson for embarking on other projects including a golf course.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Godwin Konyefa, described the airport as a signature project which passed through several reviews to meet international standard.
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