Commendation Galore as Governor Dickson HoldsValedictory Session

The outgoing Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson, was accorded standing ovation amidst commendations as he presided over his last state executive council meeting as governor.

The valedictory meeting, the 114th session, which held in the Executive Council Chambers at the Government House, Yenagoa, was attended by all members of council.

The meeting commenced with a praise and worship session led by the Governor who appreciated God for His blessings upon the people and government of the state in the last eight years.

Cabinet members who took turns to speak, poured encomiums on Governor Dickson not only for giving them the opportunity to serve but also for providing quality transformational leadership for people of the state and the Ijaw nation.

In his remarks, the Secretary to State Government, Barrister Kemela Okara, acknowledged the Governor's vision, courage and indomitable spirit with which he pursued the development of the state and Ijaw nation.

Barrister Okara who described Governor Dickson as a politician of conviction, assured him of the unalloyed support and commitment of the outgoing cabinet members to work with him in task of providing support for the building the state.

The Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Talford Ongolo, described the outgoing governor as a benefactor who positively affected his cabinet members in various ways.

Ongolo also extolled Governor Dickson for his revolutionary developmental strides in all sectors particularly in the areas of education, health and road infrastructure and urged his colleagues to continually defend the administration's legacies.

In his contribution, the Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Fyneman Wilson, commended Dickson's preference for collective decision-making and teamwork.

On her part, the state Head of Service, Mrs Biobelemoye

Charles-Onyema, hailed him for the courage and passion he demonstrated in carrying out the public service reforms to ensure effective service delivery in the state.

Other council members who spoke at the valedictory session include the former Commissioner for Solid Mineral Resources, Mr. Markson Fefegha, Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Ebipatei Apaingolo, and AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Arthur Seweniowor.

Earlier, Governor Dickson who formally declared the Council dissolved at about 1p.m., profusely thanked God and members of the Council for the achievements of the Restoration Government.

The governor also expressed gratitude to people of the state for giving him the opportunity to serve them in the past years.

He noted that the achievements of his administration would not have been possible without the understanding and support of members of the cabinet.