Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has told members of The State Executive Council to prepare their handover notes as his first term in office comes to an end on February 14, 2024.
The Chief Executive gave the directive on recently during the 126th State Executive Council meeting at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa.
In a release by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor was quoted as asking them to dot “the i’s and cross the t’s in their handover notes in order to achieve a smooth transition to his second term” while commending them for adding value to the state through their performance and selfless service they rendered in the last four years.
READ ALSO: Thanks for not Playing Godfather , Diri tells Dickson
The governor noted that the achievements recorded by his administration in its first term was collective and was not an exclusive preserve of himself or his deputy, urging the Exco members to continue to contribute their best till the end of his first tenure.
“As you are aware, our administration is winding down its first tenure and I know you will not wait for me to tell you to start preparing your handover notes. I believe some of you have started from last year. At the end of the day, everybody will see what you have done.
“I want to commend you for the selfless service you have rendered in the last four years and as you prepare your notes, dot the i’s and cross the t’s. So, for future purposes, those who will take over or even if you are continuing, you will be guided.
“I commend you for the spirit of oneness, unity and love we all saw in this executive council. That is why we have achieved so much in these four years. That is why the people said this government must come back for the next four years.
READ ALSO: INEC Declares Diri Winner Of Bayelsa Gov’ship Over Sylva With 65, 000 votes
“It was not an exclusive preserve of myself as governor or my deputy governor. Yes, we led the pack but all of you contributed very well to the successes we have recorded in infrastructure, education, health, sports, security and even in the judiciary.
“So, on behalf of the deputy governor, I say a big thank you to this state executive council. We have not dissolved the cabinet yet and today is not the last day.” The governor said.
The Council had earlier held a valedictory session for the late former Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Steven Ogullah.
Governor Diri also said that it was his policy to honour Exco members that served meritoriously, advocating
an amendment to the policy to ensure that only those who served the state without blemish would be honoured.
He described the late Finance Commissioner as a dedicated man, who gave his all to the service of the state and that he will be greatly missed as even out of office, Ogullah remained committed to service to the state as he was very supportive of his administration until his last days.
The governor recognized the effort of Ogullah who formed an organisation to galvanise support for his re-election and expressed gratitude to the departed commissioner for his loyalty and support, urging members of his family to be comforted by his footprints in the development of the state, which he said will remain indelible.
Mr. Kesiye Oputu, Blessing Akpuluma, Chief Robert Enogha and Dr. Josephine Izonbodor, former colleagues of the departed eulogized him describing him as a loving and caring man, who took his job seriously, saying his departure was not only a colossal loss to his family but also to the state.
