AMENDMENT OF 1999 CONSTITUTION; BAYELSANS TOLD TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY

08/11/2012
Bayelsans have been called upon to come out en masse and participate actively in the ongoing process of constitutional amendment in the Country.

Governor Seriake Dickson, who made the call when members of the House of Representatives from the State visited him at Government House, noted that Government is concerned about the need for proper involvement of the people.

To this end, he said government is already taking appropriate steps including setting up an advisory committee to start the process of consultation “so that in no distant time we can meet with our representatives and members of the House to harmonise our common position”.

“As the only homogenous Ijaw state, there are issues we the Ijaw people are concerned about to have a place in the Nigerian Federation as part of efforts to bring about an equitable, stable, a lasting democratic and prosperous Nigeria.”

Hon. Dickson commended the leadership of the House of Representatives for spearheading the constitutional amendment and taking the process to the people in whom, he noted, true sovereignty resides.

While calling for closer collaboration between members of the National Assembly and the present administration, Hon. Dickson stressed that the State cannot afford any kind of dichotomy.

His word: “We need all hands on deck. The dichotomy between Abuja-based politicians (so called) and politicians that are locally based is over. I want to call for closer partnership and interactions with members of the National Assembly from Bayelsa State and those of us who are trying to hold the home-base. We need to provide that synergy and let people know that we cannot afford any division”.

Earlier, Leader of the team, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma Federal Constituency explained they are in the state to hold wide consultations with their constituents with the aim of getting their imputs on the various contentious issues that in the country’s 1999 constitution.

Hon Ogoriba also seized the opportunity to congratulate Governor Dickson on his recent victory at the Supreme Court and pledged their continued support to the present administration.

Other members on the team include Hon Nadu Karibo, representing Ogbia Federal Constituency, Henry Ofongo (Southern Ijaw), Foingha Jephtah(Brass/Nembe) and Dr. Stella Dorgu(Sagbama/Ekeremor) 

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State