Traditional rulers from Epie kingdom on Wednesday lauded the efforts of the Governor Seriake Dickson-led administration at transforming the state capital, Yenagoa, in less than four years in office, assuring him of their total supports in his re-election bid.
Leading other traditional rulers and council of chiefs in Epie kingdom to receive the Governor on a courtesy visit, the Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, King Malla Sasime, said in spite of the dwindling allocation from the Federation Account, Dickson has been able to impact on the lives of the people not only in Yenagoa Local Government Area but the state as a whole.
With various developmental projects completed and ongoing, the governor, according to the traditional ruler, deserves another term of four years in office.
The present administration had in the last three and half years in office embarked on developmental projects worth over N100 billion in the area and in other parts of the state.
The projects included the first ever flyover, the world class diagnostic centre, Micro-finance bank, multi court door hall, late Prof. Dora Akunyuli drug mart, the Igbogene/AIT bypass, Traditional Rulers Council secretariat and the driving school.
Others are the cultural boulevard, the Police Officers Mess and the Road Safety/Hospital Junction Ring Road.
With a promise to do more if reelected, Hon. Dickson described the investments as historical and, therefore, solicited the support and cooperation of the people of Epie Kingdom in the realization of his second term re-election bid.
The visit, according to the Governor was to formally inform King Sasime of his intension to sensitize the communities on the need for a peaceful governorship election.
According to him: “On the 30th of this month, the Restoration Team would kick start a tour of the communities across the state with a view to engaging them on the need for a peaceful and hitch-free governorship election come December 5th 2015.
“You have seen the little that we have done in spite of the tight financial situation.
“You have seen the investments by the Bayelsa State Government in your domain, in Yenagoa.
“It is our thinking that by the grace of God and with the support of the people in the next term, we have to finish them.
“These are big projects that we have started.
“A number of them are at 60 to 80 per cent completion stage, which is excellent, but we need to complete them.
“The hard decision of starting the projects has already been taken.
“In your kingdom alone, we have investment of over N100 billion, which has never been before.
“It is our thinking that with your cooperation, in the next dispensation, we will now work hard to finish the projects.”
Governor Dickson thanked the people for their peaceful disposition, expressing commitment to strengthening the traditional institution in the state to enable it function effectively.