Diri Swears In 14 Commissioners, LG, Revenue Board Chairmen

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has sworn in 14 new commissioners, newly-elected chairmen of the eight local government councils, their vice chairmen as well as the chairman of the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue, Daniel Iniekezimene.
The re-appointed cabinet members, who served in the governor’s first term and retained their portfolios, include Biriyai Dambo SAN (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice), Moses Teibowei (Works and Infrastructure), Maxwell Ebibai (Finance), Dr. Gentle Emelah (Education), Daniel Igali (Sports Development) and Preye Brodricks (Special Duties, Bayelsa East).
Others who returned but were re-deployed are Dr Ebieri Jones, who was assigned to Trade and Industry from Mineral Resources while Flint George, who served as Special Duties, Bayelsa Central, was assigned to Budget and Economic Planning.
The newly appointed commissioners are Mrs Ebiwou Koku-Obiyai (Labour and Productivity), Michael Magbisa (Special Duties, Bayelsa West), Elizabeth Bidei (Women Affairs), Peter Afagha (Mineral Resources), and Komuku Kharim (Power).
At the ceremony, which took place inside the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, Diri said during the first tenure, the administration laid the groundwork for a prosperous Bayelsa across various sectors, noting, however, that there was still much work to be done.
He said, “This event underscores your dedication to fostering inclusive prosperity for all Bayelsans. On behalf of the government and the people of our state, I extend my sincere congratulations to each of you.
“As we embark on this journey, let us remember that our success will be judged not by individual accomplishments, but by the collective impact we make.
“Your selection and election among a pool of highly qualified persons inspire confidence in your ability to serve with utmost commitment and distinction, fulfilling the aspirations of all Bayelsans.”
He charged them to initiate legacy projects and programmes in their various ministries as their role carried significant responsibilities to accelerate development of the state.
The governor equally charged them to exercise prudent financial management to ensure efficient resource utilisation and foster collaboration among their peers for effective synergy, as their functions complement each other.
To the newly sworn-in local government chairmen and vice chairmen, Diri stressed that the Prosperity Government was poised to strengthening the third-tier of government to foster development in communities.
“I want you to uphold the tenets of transparency, consultation and keep in touch with the people as you are the closest to the grassroots. Ensure that you live a peaceful and quiet life. We want to see peace and development in your local governments.
The governor promised not to “tamper” with local government funds. “Rather we will assist you with your development.” He cautioned them against “obtaining loans with interest.”
The new council chairmen are Lucky Febo (Brass), Isaac Oniye (Ekeremor), Tariye Isaac (Kolokuma/Opokuma), David Alagoa (Nembe), Golden Jeremiah (Ogbia), Mrs. Alice Tangi (Sagbama), Target Segibo (Southern Ijaw) and Boludisiye Ndiwari (Yenagoa).
Diri also inaugurated Mr. Eniekezimene as the new chairman of Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue. He charged the chairman to devise strategies to enhance the state’s internally generated revenue and partner with relevant agencies to strengthen the tax/revenue generation process and plug loopholes in the system.
The governor, who said revenues accruing to Bayelsa fell short of expectations, blamed challenges from federal laws, IOCs and business operators in the state.