THE immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, has called for sustained support for Governor Douye Diri to enable him to deliver effectively on his electoral promise of prosperity to the people.
Dickson spoke while reacting to the list of commissioner-nominees forwarded to the House of Assembly on Tuesday by Governor Diri for legislative approval in a statement by his Media Adviser, Fidelis Soriwei, made available to The Point Newspaper.
The former Governor commended party faithfuls and stakeholders for their support and show of understanding during the various consultative meetings that preceded the emergence of the list of commissioner nominees.
The former Governor pleaded with the stakeholders to exercise more understanding and patience with the governor on the first set of cabinet appointments made so far.
He explained that it was only logical and expected that not all party supporters and stakeholders would be touched in the first set of appointments.
He stressed further that appointments might not come as expected in the face of the precarious economic situation occasioned by the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country, especially the dwindling federal allocation to the state.
He commended Governor Diri for adhering to the ethos of party cohesion by considering very popular House of Assembly candidates who were brazenly rigged out in the last election.
Dickson, who said that efforts would be made to engage other stakeholders in other ways, stressed that all hands must be on deck to give the expected level of support for Governor Diri to succeed.
He called on all those who made the list to show unflinching loyalty to Diri and his government in the performance of their responsibilities in the prosperity Government.
He declared support for the reconciliation efforts of Diri and promised to build on the gains made so far.
The former Governor said that it was his policy as a former Governor to avoid interference in the government but to render general advice and support to him and his team where necessary.
He said it was a commendable development that those who made the list were members of the party who toiled for its success in the last election.
“With the way the Governor has consulted with party leaders to make this first set of appointments, I have no doubt that more appointments which would cover most people who worked would be made within the limits of resources available to him,” he noted.
“Party leaders should also note that with the government’s emphasis on reconciliation, any other person even outside the party could be brought in in consonance with his policy on reconciliation, which I support. We should join in the task to build one great and united Bayelsa,” Dickson added.
