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Tag: Seriake Dickson

  • Dickson reelection campaigns begin in Bayelsa

    Dickson reelection campaigns begin in Bayelsa

    The reelection campaigns for Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state have begun amidst fears that all is not well between the governor and President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Groups and forums are being formed and sponsored by Dickson’s key aides to identify with him and drum support for his reelection.

    Though the governorship election in the state comes up in 2016, Dickson’s camp believes that it is time to begin building a formidable political structure for the governor.

    The intention, it was gathered, was to saturate the political atmosphere with calls for Dickson’s reelection in order to frustrate some powerful elements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calling for his removal.

    The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Lawrence Ewrudjakpor, Dickson’s key loyalist, was said to be the brain behind the emergence of many pro-Dickson’s groups.

    Over the weekend, a group, Bayelsa Youth Leaders’ Forum for Seriake Dickson, joined the increasing number of associations asking for the governor’s reelection.

    The leader of the group, Oboku Oforji, said the group was formed to champion the second term ambition of the governor.

    Denying that the group was being funded by an aide to the governor, he described the forum as a non-governmental organisation formed after evaluating the performance of the governor.

    The early campaign, our correspondent further gathered, came against the backdrop of speculations that all was not well between the governor and President Jonathan.

     

     

    The speculation became rife following Jonathan’s resistance of entreaties by the governor to visit the state and inaugurate some of his projects.

    The governor has been proposing and postponing dates for Jonathan’s official visit.

    The working visit was initially scheduled for March, April and finally May but Jonathan refused to show up.

    It was observed that the President shunned Dickson and rather visited Governor Godswill Akpabio in Akwa Ibom state for a one-day working assignment.

  • Dickson is working against Jonathan, says ex-militant leader

    Dickson is working against Jonathan, says ex-militant leader

    •’It is not true’

    There are indications that all is not well between Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and a former militant leader, Mr. Eris Paul, popularly called Ogunboss.

    The former militant leader has accused Dickson of working against President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election.

    It was learnt that the governor had abandoned Ogunboss, who is allegedly loyal to former Governor Timipre Sylva, and was wooing other former militant leaders, especially, Mr. Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, called Boyloaf.

    Ogunboss and Boyloaf are former commanders of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

    Boyloaf is the chairman of the 11-man State Security Task Force and a member of the State Centre for Youth Development Board.

    Indications that all is not well between the government and Ogunboss became stronger last Sunday when the former militant’s 26-year-old cousin, Mr. Kingsley Otokolo, was shot by a member of the task force set up by Southern Ijaw Local Government to check oil theft.

    Otokolo was shot on the Peremabiri waterways.

    This led to an exchange of words between Ogunboss and Southern Ijaw Local Government Council Chairman, Mr. Remember Ogbe.

    Ogbe referred to Otokolo and his group as “bandits”.

    He said Otokolo and 12 others, who were riding on a speedboat, shot at members of the task force, who were patrolling the waterways.

    Ogbe said: “When several warning shots into the air by men of the Nigerian Navy stationed in Peremabiri could not deter the bandits, security personnel attached to the task force joined forces with the naval personnel and shot Otokolo, the leader of the group, in the thigh.

    “Maneuovering the boat to the shoreline, the bandits escaped into the forest. Afterwards, concerned community leaders reported Otokolo and two members of his gang who were seeking medical treatment.

    “The three persons have since been arrested while 10 others are still at large. The public is requested to please report information that can lead to the arrest of other members of the gang.”

    He said those arrested were receiving medical treatment and would soon be arraigned.

    Ogbe alleged that Otokolo’s group shot at members of the task force on Ogunboss’ directive, adding that the former militant leader earlier carried out two unsuccessful attacks on Peremabiri in a bid to regain control of the area.

    The council chairman said: “It is pertinent to highlight that only personnel of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security forces in the task force carry arms, and not civilian members. The inclusion of the men of the Department of State Security (DSS) makes this even more compelling.

    “Hence, the activities of the Southern Ijaw Oil and Gas Task Force have been commended by Federal Government agencies like the Nigerian Oil Spillage and Detection Agency.”

    However, Ogunboss accused Ogbe and his vice, Mr. Progress Neverdie, who chairs the task force, of arming civilian members with assault rifles.

    He said: “Neverdie ordered the arrest of my cousin over possession of three empty 25 litres jerry cans. But naval personnel stationed at the entrance of Peremabiri community freed him after searching his boat and nothing incriminating was found on him. Thereafter, Neverdie called on his men and ordered them to shoot Otokolo. Presently, the boy is hospitalised in Yenagoa.

    “I have told my lawyers to take the matter to court to determine if there is a law in this country that empowers civilians to handle sophisticated military riffles and shoot innocent citizens in front of a naval house boat”.

    Ogunboss has reportedly petitioned the Presidency, alleging that Dickson was after his life.

    He accused the governor of disloyalty to Jonathan, adding that some ex-militant leaders had to pay N300,000 to the state government before they were allowed to use the Ijaw Hall in Yenagoa for a prayer session for the President.

    On his Facebook page, Ogunboss alleged that the governor was working against Jonathan’s re-election.

    Ogbe said the Ijaw House is a revenue-generating outfit of the government and using itattracts a N300,000 fee.

    Accusing Ogunboss of blackmail, he said: “It is an open secret that the governor is at the forefront of the President’s second term bid and has incurred political enemies as a result of his undiluted support for Mr. President, which dates back to his days as a deputy governor.

    “Thus, the cheap and false tantrum thrown by Eris (a.k.a. Gen. Ogunboss) should be seen as malicious blackmail by an ex-militant, who had been run out of criminality by the Dickson administration. Indeed, the rule of law has come to stay.

    “The public is urged to disregard whatever infamy is poured out by Ogunboss, in that same was made by him in a bid to rescue his criminal-minded younger brother and to perpetrate falsehood.”

     

     

  • Bayelsa releases N200m for bursary

    Bayelsa releases N200m for bursary

    The Bayelsa State Government said yesterday it has released N200 million for the payment of bursary to its students in institutions of higher learning across the country.

    Governor Seriake Dickson, who spoke on a live media programme in Yenagoa, the state capital, said the funds were in the custody of the state scholarship board for disbursement.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor said the money so far released was the first tranche, indicating that the government was ready to provide more funds to ensure that outstanding bursary entitlements are cleared soon.

    He urged the students to be patient and cooperate with the board by complying with the processes to ensure a hitch-free payment of the allowance.

    Dickson said: “When I said I was going to pay bursary from last month, I kept to my word by releasing the first tranche of N200 million. So, your money is already with the scholarship board. I believe they are following their processes because we are a government of due process.

    “So, tell your colleagues to also follow all processes. This is because that is the Bayelsa we want to build for you the younger people. That is why we are re-organising this state to make it a better place for you people.

    “The money is there. By the time they finish, I will add more until all your bursary entitlements are settled. I count on you also be good students.”

    Besides the bursary allowances, the governor said the government was also keeping faith with the payment of inherited pension and 18 per cent minimum wage arrears, despite the dwindling revenues accruing to the state.

    On the efforts to tackle unemployment, Dickson explained that though it was a global problem, his administration was providing vocational training, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development fund, among others, to address the challenge.

    The governor urged youths to take advantage of his administration’s empowerment programmes to get to work.

    He said the government alone could not absorb the army of unemployed youths in the state with the provision of white collar jobs.

    Dickson said: “I am not one of those politicians who would tell you lies. I will tell you what most people will not want to hear. The truth is that government cannot provide automatic employment for every available graduate and young person in Bayelsa State.

    “But let me assure you that we are concerned about the issue. There are some jobs that we have authorised. A number of people know that we have employed more youths in the last two years than a lot of other governments.

    “We have employed 200 youths as forest guides on the basis of equality of local governments. Do you also know that we have authorised the employment of science teachers? Do you know that a number of young people have been deliberately appointed into one office or the other to address this concern in the interim?”

     

     

  • Dickson declares Bayelsa accounts

    Dickson declares Bayelsa accounts

    The Bayelsa State government has declared N2 billion as the total amount available in its coffers after deduction of recurrent and capital expenditures spanning three months.

    At the monthly transparency initiative briefing for April, May and June, Governor Seriake Dickson, who was represented by Deputy Governor Gboribiogha John Jonah, said the declaration of the state’s monthly income and expenditure was in line with the administration’s policy of transparency and accountability.

    In the breakdown, Dickson said at the end of April, the state posted a balance of N14.87billion, including balance brought forward from March, which stood at N7.263 billion.

    At the end of May, the state had a balance of N14.621 billion, including N8.938 billion brought forward from April.

    At the end of last month, the state posted N2 billion after necessary deductions, which include bank loan re-payment and services, recurrent and capital expenditure.

     

  • Dickson reiterates commitment to Bayelsa’s tourism potentials

    Dickson reiterates commitment to Bayelsa’s tourism potentials

    BAYELSA State governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has reiterated the state government commitment towards boosting the state’s tourism potentials.

    He gave this assurance at the weekend in Yenagoa, the state capital, during the grand finale of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, MBGN pageant.

    19 year old Miss Akwa Ibom, Iheoma Nnadi Friday emerged winner of the pageant and carted away a cash prize of N3 million, a brand new car, amongst other prizes.

    The event, which was held at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, produced Miss Edo as first runner up, while the second runner up was Miss Osun, Endurance Akpoyibo.

    Other awards presented at the pageant were, Miss Photogenic, which went to Erica Nlewedim of Kogi, Chinyere Adogu, of Kwara won Miss Charismatic, Miss Delta, Fortune Woko clinched Best Traditional Costume, Miss Gombe, Precious John got MBGN Model and Miss Amity went to Queen Celestine of Edo State.

    Miss Edo, Kwara, Osun, Akwa Ibom and Abuja made the list of the top first five, who were among the 30 contestants that participated in the pageant.

    Delivering a welcome address, Governor Dickson represented by his deputy, Gboribiogha John Jonah, expressed delight that Bayelsa was hosting the event for a second successive year, an indication that the state is peaceful and open for investors and tourists.

    Governor Dickson, who noted that efforts were being put in place to diversify the state’s economy through tourism and other sectors, said operating a monolithic economy hinged on oil revenue was no longer sustainable.

    He also urged young girls across the country to show interest in the pageant to enhance their status in life and expressed the belief that next year’s edition would be more competitive.

    In her remarks, Director General of the State Tourism Development Agency, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown announced that in next year’s edition of the MBGN, the audience would be given an opportunity to participate in determining who wears the crown.

  • Protest rocks Bayelsa College

    Protest rocks Bayelsa College

    Aggrieved residents of Otuogidi in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State yesterday marched on the State College of Health Technology to protest the non-payment of compensation by the government.

    The residents blocked the school entrance, insisting that the money owed them must be paid.

    It was gathered that the government acquired land in the community in 2005 to build the school.

    Residents are said to be fighting the government over its failure to compensate them.

    The Provost, Dr. Teddy Charles, said the residents were only visiting.

    Charles said Governor Seriake Dickson had approved the payment, adding that the request file has been forwarded to the treasury.

    “Only half of the money has been paid. The other half will  be paid soon because it has been approved by the governor. We have resolved the matter ,” he said.

  • Dickson demands immediate release of abducted girls

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has condemned the abduction of over 200 female students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram insurgents.

    The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, demanded immediate and unconditional release of the schoolgirls by their abductors.

    Dickson was said to have bared his mind on the issue when he addressed select children in Government House on Tuesday evening at a low-key celebration to mark the Children’s Day.

    The governor had earlier cancelled the traditional march past and children’s party to reflect the mood of insecurity pervading the country.

    He, however, said some children would be hosted at the Governor’s Lodge in the evening to give them a sense of belonging

    While hosting the children, the governor was said to have attributed the low-key mood of the event to the abducted girls.

    Dickson lamented that some persons were playing politics with terrorism, adding that such evil politicians were behind the abduction.

    He said: “As a result of a few developments in our country, I would also like to use this opportunity to call to order, those evil people in our midst who want to use the children of this country; whoever they may be and wherever they are; who want to use the children of the world to play politics.

    “Today, we are sending a clear message to all those who are behind the regrettable and unfortunate kidnapping of our daughters. And to those, who are behind other atrocities, I urge them to stop these activities. Don’t play politics with terrorism.

    “Those who are responsible, including their supporters and financiers should heed the call of the world, because the world has spoken in one accord and in one voice condemning what has happened and I’m calling for their immediate release.”

     

  • Dickson: Only people, God can decide my second term

    Dickson: Only people, God can decide my second term

    BAYELSA State governor, Seriake Dickson, has said his political future belongs to God and indigenes of the state.

    Apparently alluding to alleged moves to scuttle his chances for a second term in 2016, Dickson insisted that ruling the state again is entirely the decision of God and the people.

    He spoke while admitting new commissioners into his cabinet at the weekend.

    He said though he and members of his team are not perfect, they must leave a legacy of performance in the state.

    The governor regretted that “some persons who ought to know better”, were flying the kite of division in the state.

    He urged his cabinet to counter such divisive tendencies by maintaining a healthy relationship with their constituencies.

    Addressing the commissioners, he said: “We may not be perfect, but let it be said that we came and saw the problem of our people and we did our best to address them.

    “In that context, to us, serving our people is the call to duty and anything more than that is a call to service to God.

    “You are coming in at the middle of our tenure, the first term of four years as you all know what happens thereafter belongs to you the people and God”.

    The governor warned the commissioners against selfishly enriching themselves reiterating his earlier position that none of his cabinet members would be a millionaire.

    He said gone were the days when people amassed stupendous wealth, buy exotic cars and build mansions with the commonwealth in the name of serving the people.

    Dickson, who said his administration has been fighting very hard to address such mindset, observed that such entrenched mentality was also fighting back.

    He insisted that people serving in his cabinet must be contented with the honour of service, urging them to take the business of governance seriously.

    While charging them to follow the laid down principles, Dickson implored the commissioners to deliver on the restoration mandate.

    The new commissioners were sworn in to fill the vacancies created by the recent sacking of eight cabinet members.

    Dickson scrapped the Ministry of Capital City Development and orderd that the functions of the ministry should be transferred to the Capital City Development Authority (CCDA).

    He said all the ongoing projects in the deleted ministry should be transferred to the Ministry of Special projects in the Governor’s office.

    The governor further divided the Ministry of Energy into two by creating ministries of Power and Mineral Resources.

    He also split the Ministry of Local Government into the ministries of Community Development, Chieftaincy Affairs and Local Government Administration.

    The new Commissioners are Mr. Kemasuode Wodu, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Dr. Ayibatonye Owei, Health; Mr. Kemela Okara, Trade, Industry and Investment and Mr. Iniruo Wills, Environment.

    Also, Chief Martin Agbede heads the newly created Ministry of Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs; Mr. Inditimi Komonibo, Science, Technology and Manpower Development; Chief Jim Ogbolo Partner-Edward, Ministry of Power and Hon. Ebikitin Diongoli, Sports Development.

  • Bayelsa oil firm gets MD

    Bayelsa oil firm gets MD

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has approved the appointment of Fubara Fah as the new Managing Director of the Bayelsa Oil Company Limited.

    He takes over from Jimmy Agbeyei, who has been relieved of his appointment.

    Fah has over 35 years work experience in the oil and gas sector both within and outside the country.

  • Oil companies are environmental terrorists – Dickson

    Oil companies are environmental terrorists – Dickson

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has decried environmental terrorism in the Niger Delta region blaming the oil companies of being the brains behind it.

    Dickson, therefore, advocated stringent environmental laws to protect and preserve the environment from such terrorism.

    The governor who spoke on Tuesday when members of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), led by its Chairman, Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd), paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa,

    He said oil companies were fond of abandoning crude oil spill sites without properly cleaning them.

    governors_Governor_Seriake_Dickson_463831975He said such sites had ravaged environment in the region citing Bayelsa State as the worst hit.

    Dickson while addressing members of NOSDRA said: “I have said it before that what has been going on in Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta and in all oil-producing areas concerning the levity with which oil companies treat the issues of the environment and the maintenance of environmental and health standards.

    “When you look at all of these and particularly listening to your chilly statistics, which I believe is only a tip of the iceberg, one is really left with no other conclusion than that, we are actually facing a case of environmental terrorism.

    “What has been going on in the Niger Delta since the discovery of oil; a situation where more than one spill takes place in Bayelsa every day, going by what your statistics is telling us and all these sites are treated with reckless abandon and the environment is left to fend for itself, the livelihood and in fact the lives of the people and the ecosystem are not attended to. What then is more of terrorist action than this?”

    He emphasised  the need for international oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region to protect the environment.

    He said an environmental summit would be organised by his administration soon to discuss ways of mitigating the effects of oil and gas exploration and exploitation in the region.

    He expressed his administration’s commitment to collaborate with NOSDRA to facilitate the speedy passage of the amended Act of the agency, which had undergone its first and second readings at the National Assembly.

    The governor explained that, health hazards arising from such environmental pollution were the reasons behind the establishment of the toxicology institute.

    He granted the request of NOSDRA for a functional office in the state and called on the agency to site its headquaters  in Bayelsa.

    He described the state as the host to the bulk of oil and gas operations in the region.

    As part of efforts to address environmental problems, Dickson proposed that the Federal Government should build receptacles to evacuate crude oil recovered from illegal refineries.

    He also asked the the government to design mechanisms for effective and proper remediation of impacted areas.

    “This is an opportunity again for us to remind ourselves that we all have a duty to work together as government to government and it is also an opportunity for us to call on all stakeholders especially the oil companies, regulatory agencies and everybody to be alive to the need to protect our environment”, he said.

    Earlier,  a team of NOSDRA delegates led by the agency’s Director-General, Mr. Peter Idabo, said they were in the state of President Goodluck Jonathan to assess spill sites in various communities.

    Idabo said environmental pollution arising from crude oil spills in Bayelsa could only be compared to similar disaster in Ogoni, Rivers State.

    Idabo and his team first visited Well 12 operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) near Imiringi in Ogbia local government area.

    “Pollution in Bayelsa is very rife, it is like what is happening in Ogoniland”, he said.

    He, however, observed that Well 12 where a truck discharged pollutants last year, had been cleaned.

    He said the visit of spill sites in the state was part of activities lined up by the agency in its tour of oil-producing states.

    He said the agency would consult and cooperate with the Governor of the state, Mr, Seriake Dickson, to tackle problems of oil spills in the country.

    In his remarks, Chairman of NOSDRA, Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd), explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing collaboration between government and the agency on efforts at curbing oil spills and its attendant effects.