Bayelsa@20: Let’s come together and move ahead, Dickson tells opposition

Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson has urged people of the state to sink their political differences and work together for the common good of the state.

He threw the challenged at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, on Sunday during an interdenominational thanksgiving service in commemoration of the 56th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria and the 20th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.

Dickson, represented by his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, (rtd), said that although the state was yet to fully realise the yearnings and aspirations of its founding fathers, more could be achieved, if Bayelsans pool their resources together for the development of the state.

He urged Bayelsans to develop themselves intellectually and through other legitimate means, especially through agriculture, to remain relevant in the nation’s scheme of things, rather than depend on the government for all their needs.

According to the Governor, the restoration government would do everything within its reach to drive the infrastructural and human capital development of the state, through the formulation and implementation of appropriate policies and programmes, despite the challenge of dwindling resources.

The Governor commended the Armed Forces for all their sacrifices, in defending the territorial integrity and unity of the nation and urged Nigerians to keep hope alive in the face of the biting economic recession.

He also appreciated the efforts of security agencies towards the maintenance of peace, law and order in the state, and expressed his administration’s determination to give necessary support to ensure the safety of lives and property.

Delivering a sermon entitled: “Self-Industrialisation from a Religious Perspective”, Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Pastor Samuel John-Peters admonished Bayelsans to harness their innate potentials by working hard, stressing that, God has blessed every human being with what is required to live a fulfilled life, without depending completely on others.

He quoted the scriptures, including Ecclesiastes chapter 9:10 and Proverbs 12:24, decried laziness, emphasizing that, those who are slothful and depend on others, only attract poverty and misery to their families.

The cleric also took a swipe at clergymen, who take advantage of the ignorance of the people by making false prophetic declarations of divine prosperity over their lives for pecuniary benefits, instead of encouraging them to work hard, stressing that, God Himself is aversed to indolence and lack of diligence.

Special prayers were also offered for the Country, the State, the different arms of the government and leaders at various levels as well as the civil service and the citizenry.

The service which featured special prayers for the leadership of the state and the nation, was attended by people from all walks of life, including, former military Governor of Old Bendel State, Retired General John Yeri, literary icon, Dr Gabriel Okara, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff, Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt Hon Konbowei Benson, former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Tarila Tebepa, King Amalate Turner among other dignitaries.