Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, at the weekend, restated his administration’s commitment to zero tolerance for crime and criminality and commended armed forces and other security agencies for preservation of national interest.
Speaking through his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), at a Command Performance in honour of the Commandant, Directing Staff and Course 25 Participants of the National Defence College held at the D.S. P. Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, the governor lauded the contribution of armed forces towards sustenance of peace and stability of the nation’s democratic rule.
Nigeria, as a country today, according to the governor was existing because of the cohesiveness of its armed forces, especially their ability in ensuring the preservation of the national interest .
Commending security agencies operating in the state for collaborating with the State government at ensuring that Government’s policy of zero-tolerance for crime and criminality was achieved, Hon. Dickson said his administration would leave no stone unturned at ensuring the sustenance of the existing peace that the state is enjoying.
Describing peaceful atmosphere as panacea to the economic growth, he said this is the only avenue to lure local and foreign investors to the state.
While urging the Team from the National Defence College to produce a balanced report, he also advised that recommendations that would emanate from the final report should be implemented.
He further encouraged participants of Course 25 to network among themselves so that relationships established during the programme would endure.
In a vote of thanks, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade thanked the State government for the warm reception accorded the Team since arrival and equally eulogized the deputy governor , who had served as a Commandant of the College before retirement .
He also said that the theme for this year’s study tour titled, “Enhancing Food Security for National Development: The Role of States” , was adopted, given the current emphasis on the diversification of the national economy.
Rear Admiral Alade also appreciated the strategic vision and efforts of the State government to boost its revenue base on non-oil sectors, especially the agricultural sub-sector.
According to him, participants were imbued with functional knowledge about the State in the course of their tour to agricultural facilities in Sagbama ,Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia and Brass Local Government Areas.
The Commandant further stated that the National Defence College was established in 1992 to train high cadre manpower in the areas of strategy and state craft.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff ,expressed delight on the visit of the Team from the National Defence College , adding that it must have afforded the faculty members and participants ,opportunity to understand the State better.
He also implored them to further tell the Bayelsa story when they return to base, especially its huge contributions to the national economy.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jonathan Obuebite, thanked the governor for his show of support to the National Defence College, and the Armed Forces and other security agencies, commended the armed forces for protecting the territorial integrity of the Country.
Obuebite says it shows that the governor has once again demonstrated his zeal to ensure that the state is safe and making progress in all sectors.
The information boss commended the theme that is centered on Agriculture, saying that the state government is presently investing in that sector and in a couple of months, Bayelsans will come to appreciate the workings of this government.
Also, he thanked the security agencies in Bayelsa for their supportive roles at ensuring that the state is rid of criminals.
