Dickson to Sylva: No reason for underdeveloping Bayelsa with N847b in 5 years
Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday said the All Progressives Congress, (APC) governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva had no reason to have under developed the state having received a total allocation of N847bn from the federation account in five years, (2007-2012), as against N599bn received by his administration in four years.
Stating this during a live interview programme in Yenagoa, the governor said this was in addition to the bond and bank loans secured by the Sylva’s administration, but were not utilized for the purpose they were collected.
The repayment of the loan, bond and other financial commitments by the immediate past administration, according to the governor, even though, it is eating deep into the finances of the state, the present administration has been able to put in place enduring legacies in terms of infrastructure.
Assuring the people of his readiness to improve on his first term achievements, Governor Dickson noted that, in the last three and half years, his administration has built roads, notably among them are the three senatorial roads, construction of bridges, including the first flyover, building of schools with boarding facilities in all the senatorial districts and provision of health facilities.
With the various achievements put in place, the governor said, he has raised the bar on providing good governance, accountability and financial prudence, noting that Bayelsa remains one of the few states in the country that is still living up to its responsibility.
“As I am talking to you now, I have directed the Ministry of Finance to commence the payment of November salaries to civil servants and political appointees”
On why he is seeking re-election, the governor said it was to consolidate on his first term achievements and called on the people of the state to turn out in large numbers to vote for the PDP that can deliver the dividends of democracy.
Governor Dickson said the people has the opportunity to vote for peace and security, pointing out that, his record of service is before the people, just as the antecedents of the APC candidate, Chief Sylva are known by all.
Warning the youths against being used to foment trouble during the election, the Governor said, his administration is closely monitoring the activities of some people in the state, stressing that, anybody caught in perpetrating criminal activities, including cloning of Permanent Voter Cards, use of fake card readers and other related offences would be prosecuted in accordance with the Electoral Act.
Rolling out his programmes for the civil servants and pensioners, the governor said in spite of the huge allocation received by Chief Sylva while in office, he left behind huge unpaid pension arrears.
He said that, his administration would proffer lasting solution to the clearance of pension arrears that is now over N10bn, adding that, Sylva created the problem.
He added that, if given the chance for a second term in office, his administration would concentrate on capacity building, which include training and re-training of workers and as well as provision of low cost housing and implementation of the civil service health insurance scheme.
0 Comments