Sylva’s N332 bn debt: Ijaw youths hold 1000-man march for Dickson

June 27, 2015 – Ijaw Youth Vanguard today said it would hold a 1000-man march in support of Bayelsa State governor, Henry Seriake Dickson when he returns from overseas break .

The organization also commended the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, for vote of confidence passed on the state governor, saying it was a tonic for the governor to do more.

Dickson was recently eulogized through a vote of confidence by the State House of Assembly for his regular payment of salaries and settlement of about N242 billion out of the N332 billion debts said to have been incurred by his predecessor, Timipre Sylva.

A statement issued in Yenagoa by the Secretary-General of IYV, Abel Igoni, said pressure would be mounted on the governor to seek re-election in 2016 and warn other contenders to keep off for the race.

“Whenever he returns from break overseas, the IYV will hold a 1000-man march in honour and support of him The 1000-man march will be used to prevail on the governor to officially declare his second term bid. Apart from being a mark of appreciation of the governor’s leadership and commitment to duty, it will serve as a warning to all those nursing governorship ambition to steer clear of the race”, he stated.

The group said that although critics of the government were free to do so, his performance in office was all that mattered.

According to IYV, the people of Bayelsa State could see the strides of success by the Dickson’s administration which he also attributed to vision and prudent management of resources.

Igoni said, “We are of the view that the decision by Bayelsa State House of Assembly to pass that vote of confidence on Governor Seriake Dickson over the stated reasons was a responsible decision. Truly, it is deserving which can only give him the tonic to do more for our people. It is easy to shout out there, but the critics of the governor should be honourable enough to realise that being able to pay salaries regularly in the present situation in the country is a feat.

“It is also important to also remind the opposition groups that this same restoration government has so far paid N242 billion out of the N332 billion debt left behind by the former governor, Timipre Sylva. This can only be possible because of prudent management and commitment to the ethos of good governance. So, we duly support the action of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for being also responsible to duty.

“Yet in spite of this, the restoration government has been able to deliver on so many developmental projects across the state and more will be done in fulfillment of his promises.”