DICKSON SIGNS BHSS BILL INTO LAW, RELEASES N500M TAKE OFF GRANT

19/07/2013 

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has presented a draft of N500m as take off grant to the newly inaugurated board of the State Health Services Scheme to kick start the programme. This is just, as he signed into law the Bayelsa State Health Services Scheme bill that has been described as the first of its kind in the country.

In addition, the government will be remitting between N50m and N100m monthly into the coffers of the Board, to assist in the delivery of the present administration’s health policy.

Disclosing this at the inauguration ceremony of the Bayelsa State Health Services Scheme Board on Friday in Yenagoa, Hon. Dickson said the scheme is primarily targeted at the public servants in the State, adding that they are automatic subscribers to the scheme.

According to him, with the inauguration of the Board, government has provided a legal backing for the establishment of a credible functional and sustainable Health scheme for the Public servants.

“The board will come up with a scheme of premium whereby different people at different grades in our public service will pay and subscribe to it. Irrespective of what they get because of the importance we attach to this programme and the need to ensure its sustainability, government of this great state, apart from the initial N500 million deposit that we are going to give to them, we will also make a monthly payment to the fund of N50 to N100 million every month.

“The whole idea is that whatever they get from the subscriptions from the public sector whatever the amount is, government will also augment it so that those who require medical attention will always have enough funds for treatment.

‘‘When our facilities are completed, and I hope in the next 4 months our Diagnostic centre will be completed, it will be our policy and it will be the duty of this board to implement same, that every public sector worker, every tax paying citizen of this state will be entitled to at least, free medical diagnostic treatment once every year.

Urging the private sector to take advantage of the scheme, Hon. Dickson who also pointed out that the diagnostic centre under construction, when completed in the next 4 months; public servants would enjoy free medical check-up once in a year.

Consequently, he solicited the partnership of the federal government in the area of training of manpower in the medical field as his administration strives to ensure that public servants have the full benefits of the restoration government.

Also speaking, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, commended Governor Dickson for initiating the scheme, stating that it would boost the delivery of primary health care in the state.

Prof. Chukwu described the establishment of the health programme as a demonstration of total leadership and assured the state government of Federal Government’s collaboration in the provision of training for medical personnel.

Responding, Chairman of the BHSS, Dr. Markson Amaigbe expressed appreciation to Governor Dickson for the confidence reposed in them and admonished members of the board against sharp practices in the discharge of their responsibilities.

BAYELSA CAN'T SUSTAIN N4.3BN MONTHLY WAGE BILL --- Gov Seriake Dickson

Bayelsa can’t sustain N4.3bn monthly wage bill- Governor Dickson

Premium Times - 20 hours ago

REGIONAL

The Bayelsa State Governor stated this on Friday.

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has said the state government’s wage bill of N4.3 billion for June was too much and unsustainable.

The governor stated this when he presented the financial profile of the state for June at the monthly transparency media briefing on Friday in Yenagoa.

According to him, expending N4.3 billion on workers’ salaries is unsustainable for the economy of Bayelsa.

He said that the state government’s wage bills “over the months remain a sour point in our financial balance sheet’’.

“I disagree with this figure of N4.3billion because it is not sustainable for our economy.

“We must come together and do something urgently to reduce this figure. We have to do something if we must grow our economy,’’ Mr. Dickson said.

The governor said that N2.6 billion was received by the state government as statutory allocation from the federation account for the month of June.

He said the total derivation of the state was N9.39 billion, and that the total financial inflow to the state stood at N19.09 billion.

Mr. Dickson further explained that while the state government had continued to spend huge amount of money to run the government, the internally-generated revenue (IGR) remained minimal. He said the IGR of the state for the month of June was N645.39million.

“While we complain of the huge burden of our workers’ salary, our internal-generated revenue had remained poor; we must strive to improve it,’’ he said.

He said the government had in the past one month spent N250 million on payment of money owed retired civil servants by the previous administration.

Mr. Dickson said that after making all the payments and deductions, N25.26 billion was left in the coffers of the state as balance at hand.

(NAN

PHOTO NEWS: MBGN – MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN NIGERIA 2013 In Bayelsa State

 

— [ PICTURE ONE ]—

 

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (centre) speaking during the 26th edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant in Yenagoa, while the Minister of Culture, High Chief Edem Duke (left) and the Chairman of Silverbird Group, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce (right) look on.

 

— [ PICTURE TWO ]—

 

Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson (left) congratulating Miss. Anna Ebiere Banner (right) shortly after she emerged

winner of the 26th edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant in Yenagoa. Photo by Lucky Francis.

 

— [ PICTURE THREE ]—

 

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (centre) presenting a souvenir to the winner of the 26th edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant Miss. Anna Ebiere Banner (right) in Yenagoa, while the Minister of Culture, High Chief Edem Duke (left) looks on.

 

 

 

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (centre) speaking during the 26th edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant in Yenagoa, while the Minister of Culture, High Chief Edem Duke (left) and the Chairman of Silverbird Group, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce (right) look on.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson (left) congratulating Miss. Anna Ebiere Banner (right) shortly after she emerged winner of the 26th edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant in Yenagoa.

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (centre) presenting a souvenir to the winner of the 26th edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant Miss. Anna Ebiere Banner (right) in Yenagoa, while the Minister of Culture, High Chief Edem Duke (left) looks on.

BAYELSA GOVT POSTS N25.3BN BALANCE AT THE END OF JUNE …..AS GOV DICKSON EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER RECURRENT EXPENDITURE

Bayelsa state Government posted the sum of N25.3 billion as balance as at the end of June, 2013. This includes the balance from the monthly allocation from Federation Account for the month of June, SURE-P of N10.8bn, and balance after deduction of recurrent and capital expenditure which stood at N13.5bn.

Disclosing this during the presentation of the 14th edition of the Monthly Transparency press briefing in Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson said the total inflow for last month amounted to N19.1 billion comprising statutory allocation of N2.6 billion, derivation N9.4 billion and Augmentation N5.02 billion.
Other components of the inflow, according to the Governor include, subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), N1.1 billion; VAT N811 million with an NNPC refund of N233m.
Hon. Dickson said total FAAC deductions for the period which included bond, foreign loans, refund on overpayment and commercial agricultural credit scheme amounted to N1.9 billion bringing the Net Inflow from FAAC to N17.2 billion.
Giving further insight into the financial position of the state, the Bayelsa State Governor announced a total outflow of N10.8 billion.
Out of this amount, he said Civil Servants salaries gulped over N4 billion, salaries of political appointees – N555 million, bank loan repayment – N2.4 billion and monthly overhead payment – N1.2 billion.
The outflows also comprised monthly standing approvals of N316 million, transfer to Gratuity Account N250 million with cost for collection of internally generated revenue (IGR) put at N32 million.
Governor Dickson posted N645 million as IGR receipt for the month of May, which he described as abysmally low and incapable of sustaining the much desired growth and development of the state.
He said total payment to contractors between May and June, 2013 yanked off over N12 billion from the capital fund Account.
Meanwhile, Governor Dickson has expressed concern over the State OF re-current expenditure, stressing the need for active participation of the Organized Private Sector

BAYELSA GOVT, JTF MAP OUT STRATEGIES TO CURB OIL THEFT

19/07/2013

Bayelsa State Government in collaboration with the operatives of the Joint Task Force has mapped out strategies to curb crude oil theft and other related vices in the State.

 

Also, the State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson commended the efforts of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies in tackling the nation’s security challenges, maintaining that the delivery of dividends of democracy would suffer setbacks in the absence of adequate security of lives and property.

 

Rising from the weekly State Security Council meeting on Friday, the Joint Task Force Commander, Major General Bata Debiro said security measures have been put in place to curb the activities of the vandals on the state waterways.

 

For effective policing, General Debiro said the security operatives would require more gunboats and other logistics to step up their efforts in checking criminal activities on the waterways in the states of the Niger Delta region.

 

He also noted that the flow line from Nembe to Bonny has been shut down for repairs, stating that the state government has promised to offer assistance to enable security agents carry out patrols on the waterways.

  

In his words: “We had a meeting with the governor to brainstorm and collaborate with other security agencies and the SPDC representatives on the way forward to curb pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and oil theft in the Niger Delta.” We have looked into where we have challenges most especially logistics and we will require more gun boats to be able to conduct aggressive patrols on the waterways and the creeks especially in the Nembe, Brass up to Bonny in Rivers State.”

 

In a related development, Governor Dickson while receiving the Zonal Commandant, Zone G, National Security and Civil Defence Corps, Assistant Commandant General Joseph Oragande, underscored the importance of law and order in society, the governor maintained that the delivery of dividends of democracy would suffer setbacks in the absence of security.

 

He said it was in realization of this that his administration enacted appropriate legislations to drive its policy of zero tolerance for crime, criminality and violence soon after assumption of office.

 

Justifying government’s investment in the security sub-sector, Governor Dickson described Bayelsa as one of the safest states in the country where investors can operate in with peace of mind.

 

 

Responding to the NSCDC’s requests, Hon. Dickson assured the visiting Commandant of his administration’s preparedness to provide an enabling operating environment for the corps within the limits of available resources.

 

He specifically directed the Chief of Staff, Government House and his Special Adviser on Security to liaise with the Corps to enable government provide the most pressing needs for the agency.

 

Earlier in his remarks, the Zonal Commandant of Zone G, Assistant Commandant General, Joseph Oragande commended Governor Dickson for his developmental strides and continued partnership with security agencies in the state.

 

According to Mr. Oragande, he was in the state at the instance of the NSCDC’s Commandant General, Dr. Ade Abolurin to oversee a sensitization seminar on the activities of the corps in the maintenance of law and order.  

 

He requested the state government to assist the corps with a befitting office accommodation, two operational vehicles and a patrol boat.

 

BAYELSA, ONE OF THE SAFEST STATES FOR INVESTORS ….GOV DICKSON, PLEDGES GREATER COMMITMENT TO SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTY

BAYELSA, ONE OF THE SAFEST STATES FOR INVESTORS ….GOV DICKSON, PLEDGES GREATER COMMITMENT TO SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTY

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson on Thursday, stressed the primacy of security in governance, arguing that it is the pivot on which the performance of other responsibilities revolve.

Governor Dickson stated this while receiving the Zonal Commandant, Zone G, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Assistant Commandant-General Joseph Oragande, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Yenagoa.

Underscoring the importance of law and order in society, the Governor maintained that the delivery of dividends of democracy would suffer setbacks in the absence of adequate security of lives and property.

He said it was in realization of this that his administration enacted appropriate legislations to drive its policy of zero tolerance for crime, criminality and violence soon after assumption of office.

Justifying government’s investment in the security sub-sector, Governor Dickson described Bayelsa as one of the safest states in the country where investors can operate in with peace of mind.

While calling for the cooperation of the people to maintain the existing peaceful atmosphere in the state, the Governor saluted the efforts of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies in tackling the nation’s security challenges.

In his words: “I like to thank you for what your men are doing. Going forward and working together with all other agencies, Bayelsa will even be safer as we move on. As our security plans and activities take more root and people get better sensitized on what we are doing, particularly about their role in working with security agencies, this place will even be much more secure than it is.

“This government has a zero tolerance approach to criminality, brigandage and violence and we are very happy with the cooperation and hard work that all security agencies have made available at the service of our state and country.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Zonal Commandant of Zone G, of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Assistant Commandant-General, Joseph Oragande commended Governor Dickson for his developmental strides and continued partnership with security agencies in the state.

According to Mr. Oragande, he was in the state at the instance of the NSCDC’s Commandant General, Dr. Ade Abolurin to oversee a sensitization seminar on the activities of the corps in the maintenance of law and order.

He requested the state government to assist the corps with a befitting office accommodation, two operational vehicles and a patrol boat.

Responding to the NSCDC’s requests, Hon. Dickson assured the visiting Commandant of his administration’s preparedness to provide an enabling operating environment for the corps within the limits of available resources.

He specifically directed the Chief of Staff, Government House and his Special Adviser on Security to liaise with the Corps to enable government provide the most pressing needs for their operations.

GOV DICKSON TASKS BEAUTY PAGEANTS ON FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS SCOURGE

GOV DICKSON TASKS BEAUTY PAGEANTS ON FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS SCOURGE 

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson on Wednesday tasked contestants for the 2013, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant on the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS virus.                                      

 This is just as he promised to confer an honorary citizenship on the winner of this year’s edition. Speaking while receiving the contestants of the beauty pageant led by the Vice President of the Silverbird Group, Mr. Guy Murray Bruce at Government House, Yenagoa, Hon. Dickson, who also urged the contestants to promote awareness on the HIV/AIDS scourge, invited them to a walk this weekend, which is tagged, “Walk For Life.” aimed at creating awareness on the HIV/AIDS scourge among the citizenry.

  In demonstration of his commitment to the promotion of the tourism sector of the economy, the Governor disclosed that certificate of Honorary citizenship would be presented to the winner of this year edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant scheduled for Yenagoa, this Saturday..

Commending the organizers of the programme for taking time to acquaint the contestants with major historical sites in the state, the Governor said,’ “I’m particularly delighted that the organisers took time to take you round some of the very historic places in the state…Whoever emerges as the 2013 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in this particular contest on this great soil of Bayelsa, the Glory of all Lands and the capital of Ijaw nation, that person will be an honorary citizen of this state and will be entitled to all that comes with that honorary citizenship status”

Describing Bayelsa as one of the most peaceful states in the country, he noted that the state has a lot to offer beyond oil and gas and expressed government’s intention to transform it into a tourism and entertainment hub in the near future.
 Commending the Silverbird Group for promoting the MBGN event, Governor Dickson noted that the presence of the most beautiful girls in the state gives credence to the positive result of the investment being made in the area of security and tourism.
 Earlier, the Vice President of the Silverbird Group, Mr Guy Murray- Bruce pointed out that, whoever emerges as winner would represent the country in the forthcoming Miss World Pageant scheduled to hold in Jakarta, Indonesia.
According to Murray-Bruce, the contestants have been in the state for the past ten days and have visited various tourist sites including the Whiteman’s Grave in Akassa, the site of the first oil well drilled in the country in 1956 at Oloibiri and the famous Lake Efi at Sabagreia.

RIVERS ASSEMBLY CRISIS: POLICE DECLARE MAJORITY LEADER WANTED

The Police in Rivers on Wednesday declared the Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Chidi Lloyd, wanted in connection with the July 9 crisis in the assembly.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command (PPRO), Mrs. Angela Agabe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that Lloyd, the lawmaker representing Emohua constituency in the assembly, was wanted over alleged conspiracy, attempted murder, wounding, and willful damage.

She said that the lawmaker was last seen in the assembly on July 9, and that he failed to respond to police invitation, which she explained, elapsed on July 15.

``The Rivers State Police Command has declared wanted, one honourable Chidi Lloyd, a native of Emohua, in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State.

``About 37 years of age, he is the Majority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly. He was involved in a case of conspiracy, attempted murder, wounding, and willful damage on the 9th of July 2013.

``The crime is being investigated by a special team from the Inspector-General of Police in collaboration with the state Criminal Investigation Division, Rivers command.

``He was last seen at the Rivers State House of Assembly on the 9th of July 2013. All efforts to trace his whereabouts have so far proved abortive.``

Agabe urged the people of the state to give the police useful information that could lead to the arrest of Lloyd and assist the command to fight crime in the state.

She said the command was determined to check crime and protect lives and property of the people in the state. (NAN)

LAWMAKER WHO BEAT HIS COLLEAGUE TO STUPOR IN RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY DECLAIRED WANTED BY POLICE

ILAWMAKER WHO BEAT HIS COLLEAGUE TO STUPOR IN RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY DECLAIRED WANTED BY POLICE

The Rivers State Police command has declared majority leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, wanted over his role in the fracas that led to the injury of another lawmaker, Hon. Michael Chinda.

Information Nigeria learnt that the declaration follows Hon. Lloyd’s refusal to honour an invitation by the police in the state to explain his role in the fight that broke out in the state House of Assembly last week Tuesday.

In a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Angela Agabe, Hon. Lloyd, a pro-Amaechi lawmaker, is wanted for attempted murder and causing of grievous bodily harm to his colleague.

The statement reads in part: “The Rivers State police is in search of the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, an adult male, 37 years of age and 5.9ft tall, who hails from Emuoha L.G.A and speaks English and Igbo fluently for an attempted murder and in connection with the fracas that occurred in the Rivers State House of Assembly recently.

“Any member of the public, who knows his where about or any information about his where about is to contact the office of the state commissioner of police, Moscow road, Port Harcourt.”

RIVERS ACN: GOV AMAECHI IS THE MAIN CULPRIT OF RIVERS PROBLEM, DENIED CALL FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

Action Congress Of Nigeria(ACN),

Rivers State Secretariat,

No 1, Isaac Boro Street Old GRA, Portharcourt, Rivers State

Tel: 08055061296

Press Release

It has come to the notice of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Rivers state Chapter that Mr. Lai Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of the party, has been issuing statements on the unfortunate events unfolding in Rivers state. We the ACN in Rivers Chapter know the true picture of events that are unfolding in Rivers State.

And we know that in this incidence the main culprit is Governor Rotimi Chuibike Amaechi, who during the last electioneering campaign and election, sealed up the Campaign Secretariat of Dr. Abiye Precious Sekibo, used the Nigerian security agencies to arrest and intimidate our members. When all this was going on, Mr. Lai Mohammed did not send us word of encouragement or support, as a party in Rivers state.

Political parties have structures; starting from the Ward level to the National Headquarters. It is against the party’s constitution for the National Publicity Secretary to usurp the functions of the party at the State, Local and Ward levels. We as members of the ACN in Rivers state, have never met and passed a resolution or informed the National Headquarters of the ACN that we want President Goodluck Jonathan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to be impeached. Mr. Lai Mohammed should respect the high office he holds as Publicity Secretary of our great party.

Consequently, we the Executive and members of the Rivers State Chapter of the ACN totally disown the call for the impeachment of President Goodluck Jonathan, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. We unanimously condemn the hasty action and resolution passed by one arm of the National Assembly – the House of Representatives, to take over the business of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

We however commend the Nigerian Senate for the unbiased and balanced position it has taken to send a fact-finding mission to Rivers State, and find out the true position of things. We also call on the Inspector General of Police not to heed the one-sided call for the deployment of Mr. Joseph Mbu the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, as Governor Rotimi Chuibike Amaechi had used the police to hunt down, harassed and intimidated members of the ACN party of Nigeria and other opposition parties in Rivers State.

We ask that the status-quo in Rivers State should be maintained until the fact-finding mission dispatched by the Senate, arrives to ascertain the true picture of events. We urge Rivers State people to be law-abiding, as whatever we do shall affect our people and not the likes of Mr. Lai Mohammed, the uninformed members of the House of Representatives and their acolytes, whose inciting statements would only ignite more fire for us to burn.

LONG LIVE ACN, 

LONG LIVE RIVERS STATE, 

LONG LIVE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OPF NIGERIA!

Signed: Amonibia Akoko,

Secretary,

Action Congress Of Nigeria,(ACN)

Rivers State.

APC EXPOSED: BUHARI's SPOKESMAN ACUSES ACN GOVERNORS OF CORRUPTION, SAYS THEY AWARD ONE KILOMETER ROAD FOR ON BILLION NAIRA

APC EXPOSED: Buhari’s Spokesman Accuses ACN Governors of Corruption, Says They Award One Kilometer Road For One Billion Naira

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Photo credit: Chatham House, London)

General Mohammadu Buhari’s Spokesman and Chieftain of the Save Nigeria Group, Mr. Yinka Odumakin has accused the Governors of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, of awardingone Kilometer of Road construction for N1 Billion.

Boasting about his knowledge of Yoruba political leaders, Odumakin said, “I can tell you authoritatively that the most dangerous and terrible tendency in Yoruba politics is the house of deceit that Tinubu represents.”

Odumakin, a spokesman for General Mohammadu Buhari, on his facebook wall recalled  how he dragged former Governor Alao Akala to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for awarding One Kilometer of road forN50 Million and said most Yoruba leaders are “greedy.”

Odumakin, a spokesman for General Mohammadu Buhari said:

“Between  1999 and now, I’ve related at close quarters with most actors in the Yoruba political space at close quarters and I know the weaknesses and

strengths of all.

“I can tell you authoritatively that the most dangerous and terrible

tendency in Yoruba politics is the house of deceit that Tinubu

represents.

“Only those who have sold their souls will ignore this fact … There has never been any such greedy bunch in our nation- not under “Demo” or even

PDP."

“I took Akala before EFCC in 2010 for awarding roads at N50m per km in all the LGs in Oyo state. Today your Asiwaju is collecting N1b per km across South West.

“When Tinubu turned “60″ ACN states contributed N1b for a bash, nobody tried that in Yorubaland before.

“Chief Adebanjo was chairman of AD in 1999 and not one relation of his got a ticket unlike your Tinubu whose wife is a senator,son in law a Rep, Sister in law a House member in Lagos and daughter now Iyaloja via imposition .

“Your grouse with the old men may be for reasons you have not stated but you know they are far more honorable than a million Bola Tinubu.”

Pointblank News:http://pointblanknews.com/pbn/exclusive/buharis-spokesman-accuses-acn-governors-of-corruption-says-they-award-one-kilometer-road-for-one-billion-naira/

SULTAN OF SOKOTO LAUDS GOVERNOR SERIAKE DICKSON OVER RAMADAN ADVERTORIAL

SULTAN OF SOKOTO LAUDS GOVERNOR SERIAKE DICKSON OVER RAMADAN ADVERTORIAL

The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar has lauded the Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson for the symbolic paid advertisement to felicitate with Nigerian Muslims over the commencement of Ramadan.

Sultan said the governor displayed a good understanding of the letters of religious tolerance in a pluralistic society like Nigeria, describing it as a gesture worthy of emulation.

In a special Ramada message to all Muslims, he urged the entire Muslim Ummah to use this period of Ramadan to pray for peace and tranquility in our nation, advising that "We must resist all provocations to violence and pray for our leaders at all levels for Allah's guidance and justice". NSCIA also called on all leaders to be conscious of Allah and discharge fully their responsibility to the followers.

"In the spirit of Allah's blessings fully embedded in this sacred month of Ramadan, the NSCIA under the leadership of His Eminence, Alh Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, the President-General of the Council and Sultan of Sokoto, hereby felicitates with the Muslim Ummah throughout the country, on the apt commencement of this year's Ramadan, wishing them all Ramadan Karim!

"The Council particularly thanks the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson for the symbolic act of the paid advertisement of his felicitation with Nigerian Muslims over the commencement of Ramadan thereby displaying a good understanding of the letters of religious tolerance in a pluralistic society like Nigeria. It is a gesture worthy of emulation," part of the release stated.

ON GOOD GOVERNANCE: GOV DICKSON HAS RAISED THE BAR OF GOOD GOVERNANCE IN BAYELSA STATE

Bayelsa State Governor Has Raised The Bar Of Good Governance In The State.

Bayelsa State government has denied claims that Governor Seriake Dickson Is a junketer, saying the governor has raised the bar of good governance in the state.

Speaking to the Media, Dickson’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Markson said the allegations of junketing were made by critics of the government “and mischief makers who want something to say.”

The CPS said such allegations weren’t new, and challenged those making the allegations to supply proof of such claims.

“This is not the first time such a report is being peddled. Those behind it are doing it out of pure mischief. And we know them. To them everything is politics even when it is so glaring that the government of the day is woking round the clock and changing the face of Bayelsa State,” he said.

“This same Governor that they falsely accuse of spending more time out of the state works harder than everyone, even to the detriment of his own health," he added.

The media aide explained that even though trips were an integral part of government, Dickson has taken care to ensure that his trips, apart from being part of state functions, add value to Bayelsa State.

“Those trips are themselves part of governance. In the first place, we are lucky to have a Governor who doesn’t like travelling. Each of the Governor’s trip so far are official trips and we can count the number of times he has embarked on such trips since assuming office.

“The mischief makers typically blow things out of proportion and their aim is to distract the governor. We realised this from our first day in office and therefore cannot fall for such antics,” he declared

PAYMENT OF GRATUITIES OF PENSIONERS IN BAYELSA, GOV DICKSON KEEPS PROMISE: WE HAVE PAID N1B OUT OF N4B OWED IN THE LAST 5 YEARS …. H.S.D

PAYMENT OF GRATUITIES OF PENSIONERS IN BAYELSA, GOV DICKSON KEEPS PROMISE: WE HAVE PAID N1B OUT OF N4B OWED IN THE LAST 5 YEARS …. H.S.D

The Hon. Seriake Dickson-led government of Bayelsa State says it has spent the sum of N1 billion in the payment of backlog of pensions and gratuities owed retirees before its inception. The state Head of Service, Sir Frazer Okuoru disclosed this while speaking with newsmen shortly after addressing a group of pensioners in Yenagoa.

Sir Frazer explained that two batches of the retirees have already been paid with funds being released by the state government in tranches.

The Head of Service empathized with the affected pensioners over their plight and appealed to them to exercise patience as government was committed to clearing the arrears.

Sir Frazer, who is also the Chairman of the state Pensions and Gratuity Committee, which has representation from labour and the pensioners’ union, said about N4 billion stood as outstanding total bill before the commencement of the payment.

Describing the allegation of selective payment leveled against the committee as unfounded, the Head of Service noted that bottom-top approach was being adopted as the modus operandi for clearing the backlog. “So far government has released N1 billion (N500 million each twice) and we disbursed it completely. So it is not a matter of collecting money and fixing it somewhere to yield interest.

“The Governor wants us to report regularly and as I speak with you, the committee’s report is ready. He (Governor) said whenever we are through; government will release the next batch.

“So this morning, when I went to address them, and explained the issues surrounding the payment, they said they don’t want this monthly release arrangement; they want all the money owed them to be released at once. But I told them that, that is not feasible because government has other competing demands.

“My advice to pensioners is that they should exercise patience because there is no way government can pay everybody at the same time. They should show understanding to the listening governor we now have because this problem of backlog was not caused by his administration.”

Commenting on the issue, the state Chairman of the National Union of Pensioners (NUP), Dr. Emmanuel Namatebe lauded the present administration for taking practical steps to clear the arrears of pension obligations in the state.

Dr. Namatebe described the protesters as members of a splinter group, pointing out that he was not duly informed about their action.

The NUP Chairman, however, called for unity of purpose amongst pensioners and appealed to the state government to give a standing order to relevant authorities to ensure monthly release of the pension funds.

“Well, I am happy that the present governor has started the payment of gratuities that he did not owe. But I want to appeal to the governor to give a standing order to the Accountant-General so that this N500million he is releasing should be made very regular. He should try and make sure that the money is set aside as soon as they return from FAAC meeting. If that is done, I believe every gratuity will be paid between now and December this year,” said Namatebe.

NOC APPOINTMENT: WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, GO YE AND DELIVER …..GOV DICKSON TELLS IGALI

NOC APPOINTMENT: WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, GO YE AND DELIVER …..GOV DICKSON TELLS IGALI

11/07/2013

Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has hailed the appointment of Hon. Daniel Igali as Chairman, Technical Commission of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), describing it as one of the best decisions taken by the country’s Olympic committee.

Reacting to the appointment, the Governor commended the leadership of the NOC, noting that Igali’s appointment will mark the beginning of a turning point in Nigeria’s quest to attain greater recognition and performance in the global sports arena.

According to him, Igali has proved himself worthy, both as a world class athlete and during his spell as technical adviser of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, that he has the qualities to drive the nation’s sports to greater heights, if given the opportunity.

He noted with satisfaction, Daniel Igali’s enviable exploits both on and off the wrestling mat, adding that he has remained a pacesetter and an inspiration to the present generation of sportsmen and women as well as those yet unborn.

Describing him as a tough, resilience, determined and result oriented sportsman of repute, Gov Dickson expressed the hope that, he will bring his wealth of experience at various levels of participation in sports to better the nation’s fortunes as well as bring about a whole new concept and orientation among our athletes, coaches and administrators.

His words “The Government and good people of Bayelsa state are proud of your enviable record of achievements in wrestling and sports in general and we trust that even on this occasion, you will not let us down”

“I wish to assure you that, your Government and Bayelsans, whom you have always proudly represented, will give you all the needed support and encouragement to succeed and excel in your new assignment”

“I also want to commend the sporting fraternity, especially the wrestling family and the NOC for the confidence reposed in Daniel Igali, who has remained a successful and exemplary ambassador of our country”

The Bayelsa state Governor used the opportunity to recall, Igali’s recent selection by the world wrestling body to address the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board in St. Petersburg, Russia for the sport to retain its place in the Olympic Games, even beyond the 2016 games in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil.

“That, you were recognized as one of five persons from all over the world to speak for wrestling is a manifestation of how much you are accepted Internationally and places you as first among equals in the global sporting arena and Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation are proud of this feat”

GOV DICKSON ADVOCATES THE FORMULATION OF AN ACCEPTABLE AND EQUITABLE REVENUE FORMULA AT RMAFC INTERACTIVE SESSION

09/07/2013

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has described the current efforts of the Federal Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to review the derivation formula as a step in the right direction.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah at the Interactive session with members and staff of the Commission at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Dickson noted that the move would translate into the formulation of an acceptable and equitable revenue formula for the country.

Governor Dickson, who noted that he was looking forward to the presentations that would be made at the zonal level, assured that the state government would set up a committee that would effectively reflect the state’s position on the issue.

Commending the commission for the sensitization visit, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the explanations offered by the team adding that the format provided by the commission would guide the state in the preparation of its memorandum.

In his remarks, the commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chief Ambrose Akierite, described the visit of the commission as timely, stressing that the interest of the states should be protected.

Highlighting efforts made by the state to shore up the internally generated revenue, the Commissioner said machinery has been put in place to ensure the proper application of relevant tax laws.

In his presentation, a Commissioner in Federal Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mr. Frank Owhor who represented the Chairman of the commission explained that the objective of the visit was to enlighten all stakeholders and the public on the need to participate actively in the review process of a new revenue allocation formula.

Mr. Owhor gave the current allocation formula as Federal Government 52.68%, state 26.72% and Local Government 20.60% with the expendable share of the Federal Government put at 48.5% of the Federation Account describing the balance of 4.18% as the Special Fund which is kept in trust.