Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa on Monday, swore in 14 new commissioners and the newly-elected chairmen of the eight local government councils in the state.
The governor also swore in the chairman of the state Board of Internal Revenue, Mr Daniel Iniekezimene.
The ceremony took place inside the Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa.
Eight of the commissioners served during the first term of the governor.
They are Biriyai Dambo (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, and Flint George, who served as Commissioner, Special Duties, Bayelsa Central, but now assigned Budget and Economic Planning.
The rest of the 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).
Diri said the ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the state’s journey as the administration begins its second term.
He said during the first tenure, the administration laid the groundwork for a prosperous Bayelsa across various sectors, but there was still much work to be done.
“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,” Diri said.
He therefore charged them to initiate legacy projects and programmes in their various ministries to accelerate the development of the state.
The governor admonished them to be prudent in financial management, ensure efficient utilisation of resources, and foster collaboration to achieve success.
He said that the administration would come up with indicators for periodic evaluation of the performance of each commissioner.
Diri advised the commissioners to establish strong connection with people at the grassroots, understand their needs, and incorporate them into government policies.
To the council chairmen and their vice, the governor pledged to strengthen the local governments 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.
“We will not tamper with local government funds, rather we will assist you with your development, and l reiterate that local government chairmen should desist from 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).
To the revenue board chairman, Diri said the board must evolve strategies to enhance the state’s internally generated revenue.
“Our revenue falls short of expectations”, the governor said, and challenged the board to block loopholes in the system and partner with relevant agencies to strengthen the tax system and revenue sources.