From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, has assured the people of the state of the Senator Douye Diri-led administration’s irrevocable commitment towards impacting their lives with more development projects and programmes before it’s terminal date in 2028.
Dr. Akpe gave the assurance on Monday while granting audience to the leadership of the Bayelsa Elders Council at his office in Government House, Yenagoa.
He noted that although the Assured Prosperity Administration had recorded impressive progress since inception in February 2020, it would continue to pursue development issues with renewed vigour.
The Deputy Governor, who appreciated the Elders Council for their collaboration with government over the years, however, stressed the need for both parties to sustain the cooperation to achieve their overarching goal of building a more prosperous, safe and better Bayelsa.
Describing the visit as remarkable, Dr Akpe thanked the Bayelsa Elders and other well-meaning individuals of the state for their support, and urged them not to relent in terms of providing guidance and counseling for the present administration to finish strong.
His words: “Life is continuous learning. So, like Solomon in the Bible did, I should be the one looking for you (elders) to tap wisdom from you because you are the custodians of wisdom.
” So, I want to appreciate you for this very remarkable visit and for all you have said concerning the little that I have tried to do in our service to society and humanity over the years.
“Some of you here have always been there to give me counsel in my journey before today. I am not new in government, yet I am new in this office. So, please do not leave us alone; we need the wisdom that God has bestowed on you.
“We appreciate you as a government, and on behalf of the Governor, I want to say thank you. But we want you to continue with your collaboration. As we round off this lap, we strongly believe that with your support, we will get better developmental results for the state.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, and former Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd.), said one of the Council’s core duties was to collaborate with the government to foster development in the state.
Rear Admiral John Jonah, who congratulated Dr. Akpe, on behalf of the Elders Council, on his recent elevation as deputy governor, assured him of their support in the overall development of the state.
The Bayelsa Elders Council Chairman was accompanied on the visit by his Vice, Elder Zee Debekeme, the Secretary-General, Chief Douyi Douglas Naingba, Retired Major Andrew Oputa, Prof. Francis Sikoki, Lady Love Amaseimogha, Dr Josephine Igodo, Chief Augustine Lugbenwei, Dr Georgina Ngeri-Nwagha, and Chief Mrs Cecilia Olisa.
Top government functionaries in attendance included, the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Irorodamie Komonibo; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s Office, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, and the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai.
