From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, has called on political appointees of the Senator Douye Diri-led Assured Prosperity Administration to give their best in serving the government and people of the state.
He gave the advice at separate meetings with chairmen of the 32 Rural Development Authorities (RDAs) and Special Advisers to the governor in Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday.
Dr Akpe stressed the need for political office holders to see the positions they occupy as an opportunity to serve and a litmus test to qualify for something better in the future.
The Deputy Governor equally reminded them to remain focused on the policy directions of the present administration which is geared towards the overall development of the state.
He reassured the people that the Assured Prosperity Administration under the stewardship of Governor Douye Diri would do everything within its powers, including aligning effectively with the federal government to attract more development to Bayelsa.
Dr Akpe, who expressed gratitude to both groups for the visits and their congratulatory messages, urged them to support him with actionable advice to enable him perform optimally in his new office.
His words: “From the depth of my heart, I want to thank you for all you have done, including your congratulatory messages. In fact, somebody said the airwaves have been closed with congratulatory messages since my appointment.
“And I replied by saying let it be to the glory of God. But it shows the height of expectations of the people. And so, we have to continually pray to God so that He will help us to deliver and meet their expectations and even beat their expectations, where possible.
“But this can not be achieved without your support. For me and my understanding of administration, your roles as Special Advisers are very critical to the governor and the government because of the experience and the knowledge in the specific areas you are advising.
“We must know that every position we are occupying now is a stepping stone and a level of experience for the next level. For instance, this is the first time I’m occupying the position of a deputy governor. So, I need a lot of advice. Don’t be far from us because working together and by God’s grace, we will achieve our purpose.”
In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Forum of Special Advisers, Chief Collins Cocodia, and spokesman for the RDA Chairmen’s Forum, Chief Fred Dabrilagha, congratulated Dr Akpe on his elevation to the office of Deputy Governor and pledged to work for the success of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.
According to Chief Cocodia, “We are here to assure that this team you are seeing here are fully with you and the governor to support the Renewed Prosperity Government to the end. This team is fully with the APC.”
