New Year: Governor Dickson Holds Out Hope Even in The Face Of Challenges

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Friday, January 1st, 2016

*Assures On Security And Total Clamp Down On Kidnappers And Criminal Elements

BALTIMORE, MD (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – While 2015 was a very challenging year for Bayelsa and the nation at large, Governor Seriake Dickson has held out hope that even the more dire prognosis for 2016 will be overcome and Bayelsa will march forward in progress, peace and stability.

Governor Dickson gave this assurance as the state joined the rest of the world to celebrate the New Year during a special thanksgiving service at the Palace of Melchizedek in his country home, Toru Orua, Sagbama local government area of the state

The Countryman Governor also assured that his administration would launch a massive onslaught against kidnapping and other criminal activities in its second term.

. According to him, though the administration made appreciable progress in the area of security the recent upsurge in crime and violence is attributable to the inordinate ambition of some political actors and their activities leading up to the December 5th Governorship election.

He reaffirmed the state government’s preparedness to strenghten the existing collaborative efforts with security agencies to boost community policing and intelligence gathering to clampdown on kidnappers and other criminals.

Calling on those who engaged in the unwholesome practice of kidnapping to turn a new leaf, the Governor advised them to seek legitimate means of livelihood as anyone caught would not be spared.

His words: “Let me quickly remind all of us that we live in very trying times that call for caution and care. Times that make it imperative for us to be watchful and try as much as possible to be our brother’s keepers.

“These are very interesting times when people seek power by all means, foul and crooked, when brothers have turned against brothers; when people have turned their fellow human beings to be articles of trade. They kidnap old and young people. Even as we speak, there are some of our brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers who are spending this special day in the den of kidnappers. I will like all of us to spare some thought for them and continue to pray for their safe return.”

Commenting on the outlook of the national economy, Governor Dickson called on the people to show greater understanding and cooperation with government as it seeks ways to ensure that the state does not run aground especially in the area of payment of workers salaries.

He expressed gratitude to Bayelsans for their support so far for the Peoples Democratic Party, noting that the party would clinch victory in the supplementary election scheduled for January 9 in Southern Ijaw local government area and a few other units across the state.

Describing 2016 as a year of Divine Consolidation and Victory, Governor Dickson said it was by God’s grace that made it possible for the people to witness the New Year and urged them to re-dedicate themselves to the service of God and humanity.

In a sermon by Bishop Maxwell Okon, Governor Dickson was urged to remain steadfast as he would sing a new song after the January 9th supplementary election.

Making references to the scriptures, Bishop Okon assured that the Governor would overcome challenges with God on his side.

Wife of the Governor, Dr. Rachel Dickson read the first lesson at the service while Governor Dickson delivered the second Bible reading.

Signed

Daniel Iworso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary