By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has charged the newly appointed secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, to bring to bear his wealth of experience and knowledge in order to achieve his administration’s goals.
Senator Diri gave the charge on Thursday shortly after Prof. Ayawei was sworn in as the 14th SSG inside the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa.
Chief Registrar of the State High Court, Mrs Ayibatari Mirin-Johnson, administred the oaths of office and allegiance on the new SSG.
The governor noted that after careful consideration and extensive consultations, he found Ayawei qualified and suited for the crucial role, stating that his appointment was not merely based on the necessity of the position but on his distinguished credentials.
According to the governor, “with Prof. Ayawei’s background as a former legislator, financial manager, accomplishment in the academia and political clout, l have no doubt that you will succeed in your new role.
“Earlier this week, l announced the appointment of the secretary to State Government and three other officials in exercise of my constitutional powers as provided in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended.”
Describing the SSG as the chief administrative officer of the state, Diri stressed the importance of the office, noting that Ayawei’s responsibilities included coordination of activities of all the ministries, departments and agencies as well as coordinating implementation of government’s policies and programmes.
He congratulated him and three other newly appointed officials, which are the chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, deputy chief of Staff, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, and the chief press secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah.
Until his appointment, Ayawei was executive chairman of the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue.
He is also a Professor of Analytical Chemistry, a technocrat, public servant, university teacher and was equally a former member of the state House of Assembly.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included a former deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, chief judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, president, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, the Head of Service, Mrs Biobelemonye Charles-Onyeama, the chief of Staff, Dr. Peter Akpe, and his deputy, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo.
Others include two former SSGs, Prof Allison Oguru and Barr. Serena Dokubo-Spiff.
