Dickson defends choice of SSG,chief economic adviser… Says they’ll deliver
Taiwo Owoeye
Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, has defended the appointment of Chief David Serena Dokubo-Spiff as Secretary to the State Government, describing him as a technocrat.
According to him, the choice of the SSG was informed by his wealth of experience as a legal practitioner and administrative acumen, “which are critical to his new role as the one to pilot the bureaucratic machinery and the secretariat of government.”
Dickson who stated this during the inauguration of Dokubo-Spiff as SSG and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Duate Iyabi, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government Houses in Yenagoa according to a statement by his CPS, Daniel Markson-Iworiso added that both men have a track record of service and equally understand the direction and foundation of the new administration.
While showering encomiums on the new SSG, the governor express confidence in the abilities and sense of judgement of Dokubo-Spiff, stressing that, as the engine room of the administration, the entire bureaucracy of the state will look up to him for direction and service.
“As a man who understands the issues of development of the state and as former acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, you have the administrative capability to steer the ship of the secretariat and bureaucracy of the state, given your knowledge as a legal luminary.
“I want to commend your dedication to steer the course of the state at a very critical time. As a passionate believer in the Ijaw nation, your loyalty can never be faulted, coupled with your track record of service and commitment to our collective aspiration as a people”, he said.
Dickson stated further that Iyabi’s expertise is required more than ever before, especially at this time of economic down-turn, to give quality advice to keep the economy of the state afloat.
The governor expressed optimism that he would use his position as chairman of the state economic team, to harness and coordinate all investments of the state government, while also commending him for managing the treasury transparently and efficiently during his tenure as Commissioner of Finance.
In his response, Dokubo-Spiff expressed gratitude to the Governor for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his commitment to render quality service to the government and Bayelsans in his new assignment.