The Bayelsa State Elders Council has hailed the development efforts of the Governor Douye Diri-led administration, particularly in the construction of key projects across the three senatorial districts.
Chairman of the newly inaugurated executive of the council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd), gave the commendation on Friday while delivering his acceptance speech in Yenagoa, the state capital.
This was disclosed in a statement Daniel Alabrah, the Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa State Governor issued on Saturday.
Rear Admiral John-Jonah, who is also the immediate past deputy governor of the state, commended Governor Diri for the “bold attempt” to construct the Nembe-Brass road, describing the project as significant and strategic to the socio-economic development of the state.
“Your bold attempt in connecting us to the Atlantic Coast is highly commendable. Your passion for development of the state and overall wellbeing of our people demonstrates that you are a true leader,” he said.
According to him, as an elders council that plays an advisory role, they will avail the administration of their counsel and support to enable it succeed.
John-Jonah, who thanked the outgone executive council for their meritorious service, also urged traditional rulers to be more vigilant in their respective domains as the country was experiencing worsening security challenges.
Responding, Governor Douye Diri congratulated the new executive and the elders council for conducting a peaceful election and appointing leaders with proven track record in their various fields.
According to Senator Diri, “it is a thing of joy in the state to have elders form a council to advise government towards ensuring that the state is stable, peaceful and prosperous.
“We have been on the saddle for about two and a half years and our works speak for us. Whatever we have been able to achieve during this period will speak for themselves.”
Commenting on ongoing road projects, Diri said by the end of his third year in office, the Sagbama-Ekeremor road would be completed and inaugurated.
On the central senatorial district, he assured that by next month, government would ensure the completion of the Aguobiri bridge for vehicles to drive to Angiama before November this year.
Earlier in his remarks, former chairman of the council, who is now chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Thompson Okorotie, lauded the state government for making appreciable progress on all the road projects being constructed.
He added that when completed, they would significantly impact on the lives of the people.
The new vice chairman of the elders council is Elder Zee Debekeme, the Secretary General is Chief Douye Naingba while Prof. Ayibaemi Spiff will serve as Secretary.