Nigeria @ 55: Dickson preaches peace, congratulates Bayelsans on 19 years anniversary

As Nigeria celebrates 55 years of independence and Bayelsa marks 19 years of its creation, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has urged Bayelsans and Nigerians to remain focused and be supportive to governments at all levels.
The governor, in a statement on Wednesday night by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, described Nigeria as a blessed and unique country.
He also called on the people to always see the peace, security and unity of the country as a collective responsibility, stressing that, the nation is so endowed that, with peace and unity of purpose, Nigeria can attain its rightful position as a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive global arena.
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity has proved to be one of the its greatest assets, pointing out that, all that is required is for Nigerians to jettison all parochial, sectional, religious and ethnic inclinations and work in one accord to fully realize the dreams of its founding fathers.
Dickson, who also paid glowing tribute to the nation’s founding fathers, enjoined those in positions of trust and indeed all Nigerians to imbibe the positive virtues of sacrifice, honesty, patriotism and love, which were the overriding principles and qualities, the founding fathers lived and died for.
Dickson urged Bayelsans to keep faith with the policies and programmes of the restoration government, adding that, it will continue to accord security of lives and property utmost priority, while efforts are also being intensified in improving the infrastructure, manpower development, education and other relevant sectors of the State’s economy.
He, however, renewed his call on Bayelsans to show some level understanding with the current situation of the economy, which is not peculiar to the State, noting that, even the Federal Government is finding it extremely difficult to meet up with its salary obligation to its workers.
Dickson explained that the State Government has remained committed to the payment salaries, even under the prevailing circumstances.
With the December 5 governorship elections around the corner, the countriman Governor also enjoined Bayelsans to be mindful of the antics of the opposition, whose antecedents are well known, pointing out that, the people are well placed to know the difference and vote wisely.
He called on the people to outrightly reject violence and all forms of intimidation, which is a well known trademark of members of the opposition, during the forthcoming elections, assuring that, the government will do everything humanly possible to ensure that, elections are held under a peaceful and conducive atmosphere.
The governor used the occasion to pay special tribute to the founding fathers of the State for their diligence and commitment, which necessitated the creation of the state in 1996 by the military administration of General Sani Abacha, noting that posterity would continue to appreciate them.