A group of concerned citizens, under the aegis of Good Governance for the Emancipation of the Ijaw Nation, has called on the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, “to focus on repositioning the state, and by extension the region, for prosperity rather than being distracted with mundane issues.”
The group stated this in a statement by its national coordinator, Comrade Tonbobofa Ayawari, adding that “Diri, being the second governor in the history of the state to have crossed the second term barrier, ought to at this point be focused on finishing strong and not bedeviled with controversies and ambiguity.”
The group also agreed that the task of governance “is quite daunting, especially at such times as this when the economy favours just a few, which therefore requires focus, strategic thinking and sustainable execution.”
They however commended the governor on the recent appointments made by the state government, adding that this would go a long way to alleviate the suffering of the citizens, but expressed displeasure at “this non-sustainable approach to solving economic problems especially because the Prosperity Government is almost six years old and expected to have recorded huge successes in this regard, but has rather successfully reversed the mileage recorded in the state’s march toward diversification.
“Several other economic attempts by this administration have consistently raised eyebrows, causing a sense of doubt in the citizens as to the true direction of the administration, economic moves like the N25bn for the purchase of planes and the floating of the Izonibe airlines when there are no quantifiable and verifiable evidence of traction coupled with the issues plaguing the sector and the proposed N45bn loan for the 9-floor secretariat complex in Bayelsa when the current ones only need maintenance and small scale expansion.”
They said, “Bayelsa as a state has been in darkness for over two months which means there is a drastic drop in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). There is food insecurity as the government doesn’t seem to be serious about farming nor the processing industry.
“In a couple of weeks from now, Bayelsa will witness another devastating flood yet there are no visible preparations for the health, food, water, economic and infrastructural impact of this flood.
“The people expect these and many other such issues to be on the front burner of the government, facing them headlong. But the administration seem to be more concerned with replacing the state pledge and coat of arms. How does this impact on the people?”
The group further stated that the Ijaws have always been identified with certain animals which the coat of arms aptly represented.
“These animals displayed in the coat of arms akin to the eagle and two white horses in the Nigerian coat of arms, culturally represented the sacred signs and symbols of the ijaw people. The crocodile represents mystery of the creeks, the leopard represents the strength of the ijaw man in agitating for his right, while the oil rig represents the first oil exploitation rig in Olobiri.
“Beyond it being the state coat of arms, it equally is the symbol of the Ijaw nation since Bayelsa remains its headquarters. The vision for an Ijaw identity was birthed and supported by traditional rulers, Ijaw leaders, political elites, freedom fighters and stakeholders from across Ijaw land including Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha of blessed memory and former President Goodluck Jonathan. The group also recalls that this initiative was backed by law under the administration of Diri’s predecessor and has remained the proud identity of the Ijaw nation.“
They referenced other states in the federation like Osun State whose coat of arms was designed by the opposition but is being maintained till date displaying deep understanding, value and respect for culture. This example is what the group urges Diri to emulate to forestall the event successive governors altering at will the symbols of the Ijaw heritage.
The group urged the governor and the government to shun every form of distraction emphasizing that the period is a sensitive one and most are aware that the government is already winding down and are willing to use any means to meet their selfish goals. The group also urged the government to stick with the plan of continuity and building on the legacy of his predecessor as the prosperity government cannot be in opposition with itself.
