By Nathan Nwakamma
Yenagoa – Gov. Seriake Dickson has advised the people of Bayelsa to be hopeful and optimistic and not to despair in spite the challenges of the present time.
Dickson spoke in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Francis Agbo, to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the creation of State and the 57th Independence anniversary of the country.
He urged the people of Bayelsa to rekindle their hopes in the greatness of the state and the country.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers of Bayelsa and acknowledged their immeasurable sacrifice that resulted in State becoming a reality.
“But for the sacrifice, zeal, commitment and dedication of our founding fathers, Bayelsa would have remained a mere dream.
“As I reflect on their role today, I can only but rededicate myself and the Restoration Government I lead to the development ideals of the Bayelsa founding fathers.
“This inspires a renewed commitment to uphold, meet and even surpass the expectations of those who laid the foundation on which we are building on.
“My administration will never disappoint the founding fathers and the people of the state who gave us this mandate, which to us is sacred,’’ he said.
According to the Dickson, the 21st anniversary of the creation of the state that fell on Sunday is special because among other things, it coincides with the 57th Independence of Nigeria on Oct. 1.
The governor therefore called on Bayelsa people and all Nigerians to take advantage of the double celebrations to reflect on “where we were, where we are now and where we ought to be as a nation’’.
“I therefore urge all Bayelsa people and indeed Nigerians to rekindle hope in the state and in our country.
“ We may not have attained the height we expect but it is also true that we are not where we were.
“Progress and development is block upon block. Gradually but steadily, we are making good progress. Our vision and commitment to a better Bayelsa and stronger Ijaw nation remain unwavering,” he said.
The governor solicited the cooperation and support of all Bayelsa people and the Ijaw nation irrespective of political differences, noting that building a great state required the support of everyone.
Dickson appreciated the goodwill of the people and promised to consolidate on the enviable gains of the Restoration Government in the last five years.
He assured that he would continue to run an all-inclusive and open government for the overall benefit of all Bayelsa people.
He called on leaders who had served and were still serving the state in different capacities not to wage unnecessary battles of division that had stopped the state from attaining its full potential.
“But to use their time and resources to support development in the state.’’
Dickson equally congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians on the country’s independence anniversary.
While reiterating his call on Nigerians not to give up on the country, the governor said the challenges confronting Nigeria were surmountable.
“If we all work together with faith in God as a people, irrespective of religion, tribe, creed, social – cultural and political affiliations, the problems are surmountable,’’ he sais.
Dickson said that he remained confident that if Nigerians worked together as a people, Nigerawould rise again and “if Nigeria rises again, Africa will as well, rise again” (NAN)