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Tag: Seriake Dickson

‘Bayelsa is on course’

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayesa State, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, spoke with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE on the activities of the administration and challenges of governance.

How has it been managing the governor’s image?

I think it has been an experience to work in the government at this level and it’s still stretching. Every day comes with different issues, small or big. We keep learning the peculiar intricacies of how government works and the communication management. Having said that, I think actually, the starting point is to commend our governor for assembling a crack team, very competent and professional.

You’ll realize that the governor has the gift of spotting talents and using them to deliver the best results. This is not limited to the media. If you look closely, you’ll find a similar situation in the choice of people in other departments and agencies of government. Again, the governor is media savvy. He understands the workings of the media and the important role the media could play in any government.

I think he laid a good foundation by first getting the right people and giving them the right support. I think we have to reckon with his intellectual disposition too and his curiosity to know himself without waiting to be briefed. The media team knows too well that they have both an intellectual and a strategist as a boss. And so, it is expected that working with him, you have to be at your best all the time.

Does he find time to check what the newspapers are saying?

Here is a governor who wakes up as early as 3 am every day to read all the newspapers online and the social media sites. So, tell me who are you, as a media aide working with him without striving to keep pace with him. More importantly is also the good deeds of the government.

In spite of all these, however, I should let you know that information management in any government is usually hectic for obvious reasons. There is so much cynicism and distrust for the government. If you look at it critically, may be, the people may have a point here, which is a function of their past experiences. If a government promised A,B,C and failed to deliver on them, then, there’s a problem; there is the tendency for the people to believe successive governments may do same.

So, it takes time and demonstrated integrity to overcome this as an issue we have had to contend with. As media aides to Governor Dickson, we are always on our toes. As I noted earlier, it is particularly difficult when you have to manage our kind of public here. We have a very virile public that is always probing every move and decision of the government. Too often, they can be goaded by some desperate and mischievous politicians.

Do you have to constantly explain to the public government action?

These politicians often take the advantage of their gullibility to sell lies and steer up needless rumours mostly against the government of the day. That’s our experience here.That’s why you hear of terrible rumours making the rounds in Bayelsa. But I’m happy to tell you that we are winning the war against rumour mongering. Thanks to Governor Dickson for the measures he has put in place to address the rumour malaise. The Bayelsa Information Management Committee set up by the governor is doing a fantastic job in this regard. Still, integrity in government is key here; doing what you promised you will do.

I would like to refer you to the governor’s inaugural speech, when he said he will not play politics with security and development. Although that speech generally inspired hope, yet, others felt it was the usual sweet talk by politicians. You see, they never knew that Governor Dickson is not someone you can describe as your conventional politician. He meant what he says and, if you now relate what he said in that inaugural speech with what’s on the ground in the state today, you can appreciate the fact that the governor has matched words with action. Security has been effectively restored the various sectors of the state economy are on course.

The first thing you must understand is that Governor Dickson is not frivolous about governance and indeed, any issues for that matter. If you have followed him and his restoration government, you will see a pattern, a consistency that has defined the administration. The governor doesn’t like doing things half-heartedly. If anything is being done, it has gone through a thorough process and planning and decision taken which will be followed to a logical end.

How far has the administration delivered on its restoration agenda ?

The ‘Restoration Agenda’ is a vision and I can confidently tell you the implementation is progressing steadily. The vision is to lay a solid foundation for rapid socio-economic development of Bayelsa State. I think we should commend Governor Dickson for keeping his words on security, which was basic to any proper and effective implementation of the whole agenda. Now, everybody takes security for granted ,compared to the situation we met on the ground.

It is a remarkable achievement. After securing the state, then, other things have since followed; tackling the challenge of diversifying the economy of the state, whereby we can have major alternatives to oil and gas.The attention now is on tourism and agriculture without neglecting other areas in need of attention. Basic to the realization of dthe iversification is the provision of infrastructure like good roads, power, rail lines, airport and such other infrastructure that can help the cause of the government’s economic focus. In this regard, a lot has been done by the Restoration government.

Already, a rail line is being constructed to link Yenagoa to Brass and to Agge, where we have a deep seaport. The establishment of the Bayelsa Development Investment Corporation (BIDC) is also of particular great importance which will help the state government to maximize its economic potentials in the future. For those who can see the implication of this economic enabler, the future is really great for Bayelsa State economically and of course it is in the best interest of the people.

This is expected to arrest youth unemployment…

There will be many good jobs in due course, good pay and enhanced living standard as government actualises the combined efforts in the diversification of the state economy.

December 11, 2013
Bayelsa govt disburses N500m out of N1bn earmarked for women empowerment

BAYELSA State governor, Seriake Dickson, on Friday disbursed N500m out of the N1bn earmarked for women empowerment to various cooperative groups in the 32 rural development areas of the state. Speaking at the flag-off of the women empowerment programme at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Yenagoa, Governor Dickson charged the various organs of government in charge of the disbursement to be transparent by ensuring that the funds get to the beneficiaries before the end of the year. The governor said the gesture would open a vista of opportunities for the beneficiaries, and therefore urged them to make judicious use of the disbursed funds. His words: “One of the policies of my administration is to free you from any kind of slave mentality. We are determined to free you from being slaves to anybody. Take control and be masters and mistresses of your lives and destinies by making judicious use of the opportunity provided by the government.

November 23, 2013
2015: U.S declares interest in Niger Delta

The United States has declared her interests in the Niger Delta region ahead of the 2015 general elections.

A statement issued by Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa State Governor, said the US Consular-General, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, spoke in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Hawkins insisted that America had rekindled interest in the oil-rich region ahead of the 2015 elections.

He described the region as the economic nerve centre of the country and said his country would focus more on Niger Delta than other parts of the country.

Hawkins was said to be in the state for a one-day official visit.

He begged Dickson for his assistance in realising America’s interests in the region.

He said: “As we move closer to the big show in 2015 i.e. the general election, we definitely want to be in touch with you. The United States is really focusing on the Niger Delta again in a lot of ways that will be very positive.

“I really want to get your advice on our engagements in the Niger Delta on our efforts to support what government is doing.

“We are very interested in supporting a dialogue between the people of this region who are so important for the future of this country and the leadership of the region.”

In his remarks, Dickson said his administration was prepared to partner with the U.S in the areas of security, environment and other issues militating against the development of the state.

He lauded America’s efforts in re-establishing and deepening its bilateral relationship with Nigeria.

November 14, 2013
PDP reconciliation Committee

August 14, 2013
Dickson accuses oil companies of double standard

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday berated oil companies and accused them of operating with double standard in the Niger Delta region.

Dickson spoke in Yenagoa when the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Ambassador Bert Ronhaar, visited him.

He insisted that the oil-producing companies had refused to embrace international standards and best practices in their operations.

He said such actions by the companies had contributed significantly to environmental degradation and endemic poverty.

He lamented what he described as “the brazen manner resources of the Niger Delta are expropriated,” adding that activities of the companies had placed the region in a precarious situation.

“The ecosystem and livelihood of people in the Niger Delta have been negatively impacted upon as a result of oil exploration and exploitation activities over the years,” he said.

Dickson traced the history of oil exploration and said the Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum Company struck oil in commercial quantities at Oloibiri in Bayelsa State in 1956.

But he said the area had suffered neglect.

He said: “We have major issues of how to combat flooding, erosion of our communities and damaged ecosystem. There are also frightening scientific predictions that if urgent steps are not taken, most of the communities in the Niger Delta will be wiped away in the next couple of years.

“There is now a disconnect arising from the decades of what is perceived to be nonchalant attitude by the international oil companies. The communities now see the operating companies as buccaneers who do not care about them and their conditions.

“Their (IOCs) concern is only the oil and not the people’s well-being. The activities here are such that you have double standards in terms of adherence to environmental rules, regulations and procedures.”

He vowed that his administration would join forces with other stakeholders to champion the need for environmental rights and justice in the country.

“The environment has to be respected in the Niger Delta the same way it is protected and preserved in Europe and America.

“An oil spill is an oil spill wherever it occurs, whether it is in the Niger Delta or in the Gulf of Mexico,” he said.

He commended the visiting Ambassador for deepening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the kingdom of the Netherlands.

July 24, 2013
Politicians acquiring arms for militant camps – Dickson

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, on Tuesday raised the alarm over alleged ongoing arrangements by disgruntled politicians to reopen destroyed militant camps in the state.

He said those behind the plot had already started acquiring arms to actualise their devilish scheme.

In a tacit indictment of Rivers and Delta states, Dickson, said “neighbouring states” were behind the plot to destabilise, Bayelsa, the state of President Goodluck Jonathan.

He insisted that desperate politicians and their collaborators from neighbouring states were behind some of the street protests that occurred recently in Yenagoa, the state capital.

He alleged that such disgruntled elements who were bent in unsettling the state had gone underground to organise what he referred to as “sponsored mass street protest.”

According to the governor, the looming protest is part of the group’s campaign of calumny and propaganda against the state government.

Dickson was recently appointed the Chairman of the 13-member reconciliation committee raised by the Peoples Democratic Party to resolve its festering problems.

Delta and Rivers States share borders with Bayelsa State. While Delta is relatively calm, Rivers has been enmeshed in violent powerplay with accusing fingers pointing at the Presidency.

But Dickson in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said politicians from neighbouring states had unleashed their anger on Bayelsa.

He said: “In recent times, we have seen deliberate attempts by this group of desperate power seekers sponsoring some gullible graduates to take to the streets.

“They were also behind the recent protest staged by pensioners in the state. It is sad to note that they are now on a planned mission to incite unsuspecting youths to take to the streets to protest against the state government.”

He said such politicians had started dolling out cash to youths to mobilise them for the demonstration.

July 23, 2013
Dickson replies Sylva, says ‘you are a drowning man’

The verbal tirade between the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Timipre Sylva and his successor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, continued on Tuesday with the later describing the former as a drowning man.

The duo resumed hostilities recently over issues bordering on non-payment of pensions to retirees in the state for five years.

While Dickson at a transparency briefing said he would set up a judicial commission of enquiry to probe the N5 billion backlog of pensions he inherited from the past administration, Sylva reacted by calling on him to resign.

But the incumbent governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Iworiso-Markson, said he would not join issues with Sylva describing him as a drowning man.

The statement said Dickson’s competence was not in doubt as “it is very much evident for all to see.”

The statement further explained that the decision of the government to establish the judicial panel was informed by the need to address the deep-seated rot and systematic failures of some civil servants and political leaders.

The statement said: “These persons working as syndicates have over the years siphoned N5 billion meant for the payment of pensioners in the state.

“Concerned about the plight of these pensioners, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson since coming into office has paid N1billion to the pensioners in his efforts to clear the backlog.

“While, we are working hard to clear the backlog, the same syndicates, instead of hiding their faces in shame, have chosen to embark on a campaign of calumny and propaganda against the government by inciting some of the pensioners to embark on streets’ protests.

“To this end, government decided to set up the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to ascertain why pensioners were owed pension and gratuities for the past five years and the public servants that have subjected our senior citizens to untold hardship.

“It is equally laughable that some people who may have perpetrated the scam are questioning why Governor Dickson limited the period of the investigation to five years.”

July 23, 2013
Oil theft: Dickson’s statement stirs controversies

The statement credited to Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, on reasons behind oil theft has generated controversies in the Niger Delta region.

The governor was quoted as saying that militants were using their proceeds from oil theft and illegal bunkering to stockpile arms.

It was observed that the remarks which the governor was quoted as making when the new Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Usman Ali-Sidi visited him had drawn the ire of activists in the region.

The President of the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, Mr. Austin Ozobo, said Dickson’s statement was an indictment on the region.

He insisted that the governor feigned ignorance of the difference between militants and oil thieves.

He said militants depended not on illegal oil bunkering to acquire arms but on wealthy sponsors.

He said: “It was a noticeable fact that there was no poor person among the heads of former agitators when they started and some of them were not from oil communities contrary to the claims of the governor.

“Militancy started when the Niger Delta youths were not having privilege to bunkering activities in this country.

“We want the governor to be specific in his indictment. We should ask the governor to explain how criminals in the upland areas where there is no drop of oil sustain their criminal activities.”

He said the government should encourage invention and creativity by legalising operation of illegal refineries.

July 8, 2013
Bayelsa governor charges Nigerians on terrorism

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has charged Nigerians to unite in the fight against terrorism and not allow it define the country’s values.

Dickson made the remark on Wednesday when the Consul-General of the United States Consulate in Lagos, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, paid him a courtesy visit in Yenagoa.

Reacting to the travel advisory by some embassies for their nationals not to visit parts of the country, the governor observed that in spite of the development, multinational oil companies still operate in Nigeria.

According to Dickson, there exist lots of negative reportage of issues concerning the country, particularly the Niger Delta region, to scuttle the developmental efforts of both the state and federal governments.

“There is a lot of stereotypes and negative reportage of issues of safety out there that are of genuine concern to you and us.

“You have your nationals doing business and making money for their shareholders in this state and other similar places,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Dickson as saying at the forum.

The governor, therefore, charged all not give up to terrorism because “if we say people should not visit areas that we consider to be unsafe, and they don’t come, I consider that to be surrendering to terror.

“We have to confront terrorism; we should not allow it to re-define our values and how we want to live our lives and what we want to do for our people.”

May 16, 2013
Dickson flays critics over BDIC

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has faulted the position of critics on the inauguration of the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, (BDIC), saying the body is aimed at attracting investments to the state, as well as make it the delight of local and foreign investors.

He said contrary to its opponents, The BDIC, is aimed at charting a more diversified economic base from the current dependence in the Oil and Gas sector of the economy.

Warning the people against playing politics with the economic development of the state, the Governor noted with dismay the position of some politicians in the state on his administration’s economic policies which gave birth to the establishment of the BDIC and other agencies of the government.

Seriake said to boost its economic profile, the state is beaming its searchlight on tourism, Agriculture, Oil & gas and Infrastructure, amongst others.

On the choice of South Africa as corporate office of the BDIC, said: “ The BDIC is looking to attract investment from all major markets and economies, with South Africa being one of such countries. The Johannesburg office represents their second international presence after the recently opened London, office.

“It is hoped that through its presence, the BDIC will attract partnerships with Southern African investors on a PPP (Public Private Partnership) into the identified economic sectors of Bayelsa State. It will also interface with the Nigerian consulate to fast track immigration requirements for prospective investors looking to visit Bayelsa State.

“The BDIC’s vision is to be an enabler for transforming Bayelsa State into one of the top economies, not just in our country but also in Africa. Our mission is to protect, stimulate and grow the wealth of all Bayelsans through responsive, innovative and sustainable investments while acting as a catalyst for socio-economic development of our state,” said Dickson.

April 30, 2013