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The POWER of DELIVERY Is a Compilation of Selected Extempore Remarks, and the first of a Trilogy, by Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

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ThePOWER ofDELIVERY

is a compilation of selected extempore remarks, and the first of a trilogy, by

GovernorHenrySeriakeDickson ofBayelsaState, Nigeria.

DICKSON

In this book, the reader will encounter the robustness of Governor Dickson's remarks delivered extempore with striking ability to inspire and engage its audience in a manner that is most compelling. Governor Dickson is an orator of a different hue. He speaks authoritatively with penetrating intellectual depth typicalofmost great leadersin the world, both pastand present.

THE POWER OF

DELIVERY

Restoration Leaps Forward

GOVERNORHENRYSERIAKEDICKSON APROFILE

Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State in Nigeria has, by his performance in office, underscored the critical role of leadership in strategic restructuring and effectivegovernance.

He has changed the face of development, sanitized the polity, and encouraged participatory governance. The emerging economic prosperity in Bayelsaisaproduct ofvision and courage.

Dickson, 48, is an exceptional leader whose foresight on the diversification of the state’s economy beyond oil and gas to focus more on tourism and agriculture holdsgreat promiseofeconomic boom.

A lawyer, former Attorney-General of Bayelsa State and member of the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, he was elected to the House of Representatives in 2007 and re-elected in 2011, where he servedasthe Chairman, HouseCommittee on Justice.

His star was further on the rise when he was elected governor of Bayelsa State by popular acclamation later in 2012. He has been an agent of positive change, challenged the status quo and re-invented the architecture of governance in apeacefuland resourcefulenvironment.

Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson

Governor of Bayelsa State

Today we have laid the foundation for the building of a new Bayelsa and I assure you that with what you have done and what you have demonstrated, today you have laid the foundation of the building of which I will with your cooperation build a new andprosperousBayelsaforallofus.

DICKSON

THE POWER

OF DELIVERY

Restoration Leaps Forward

Compiled and Revised by: Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor

Edited by: Sully Abu
Dr. Jeaneꢀe Gibson

ISBN: 978-978-938-000-8
© 2014
Henry Seriake Dickson

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or introduced into a retrieval system or transmiꢀed in any form or by any means without prior wriꢀen permission from the publisher

CONTENTS

  • PREFACE
  • 2

  • PROLOGUE
  • 13

EDUCATION

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GOOD EDUCATION- Speech delivered during the inauguration of a task force to assess

  • educational infrastructure
  • 14

MEETING OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE- Remarks at an interactive session with 100 graduates of the Bayelsa

  • Merit Scholarship Award scheme
  • 18

THE NOBILITY OF OUR TEACHERS-

  • Remarks at the 2012 World Teachers Day celebration
  • 23

NDU MUST LIVE UP TO ITS BILLING- Speech delivered during Governor Henry Seriake Dicksonʹs first

  • formal visit to the Niger Delta University
  • 28

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

02

ECONOMY

CHARGE TO CONTRACTORS: LET US BE PARTNERS IN BAYELSAʹS PROGRESS- Remarks at a meeting with SETRACO NIG LTD, MOREMONIG

  • LTD, Julius Berger PLC, ENERCO PLC and Eagle Builders
  • 40

BAYELSA IS RIPE FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT- Remarks during a courtesy call by the Polish ambassador April 13,

  • 2012
  • 43

OUR POWER ROAD MAP- Remarks at the presentation of interim report by commiꢀee on power

  • generation and distribution
  • 48

WE MUST BRING SANITY TO THE PETROLEUM SECTOR- Speech at the inauguration of the Petroleum Products Monitoring

  • Task Force
  • 51

53 58
LAND USE MUST BE PLANNED AND CONTROLLED- Charge to the Bayelsa State Land and Allocation commiꢀee AGRICULTURE IS A PRIORITY FOR BAYELSA- Address during a courtesy visit by the Minister of State for Agriculture

BDIC IS TO DRIVE OUR DEVELOPMENT AGENDA- Address at the inauguration of the board of the Bayelsa Development

  • and Investment Corporation
  • 61

DEVELOPMENT MUST START AT THE GRASSROOTS- Remarks at the inauguration of 32 rural development centers in

  • Yenagoa
  • 66

ALL MUST SACRIFICE FOR BAYELSAʹS GOOD- Remarks during inspection of site for second fly-over bridge at

  • Tombia-Tegwe junction in Yenagoa
  • 70

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

03

WE PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT, NOT SHARE MONEY- Remarks at the formal launch of a Women Empowerment

  • Programme in Yenagoa
  • 95

OUR INTERNAL REVENUE MUST INCREASE-

  • Remarks on signing into law of the Appropriation Bill
  • 100

BAYELSA IS RIPE FOR INVESTMENT- Address at the 20th international conference on Small and Medium

  • Enterprises pre-event luncheon with business stakeholders
  • 103

AMAA HAS TO BE PRIVATE SECTOR DRIVEN-

  • Speech given during a fund raising dinner at the Civic Centre
  • 115

LAW AND SOCIETY

WE ARE MAKING BAYELSA UNSAFE FOR CRIMINALS- Remarks at the signing of the bill on Kidnapping and Other Allied Offences into law 118

WE HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CRIME AND CRIMINALITY- Remarks at the commissioning of 15 gun boats to check sea piracy 112

OUR GOAL IS HEALTH CARE FOR ALL- Address at the inauguration of the Health Insurance Commiꢀee 126

DEALING WITH THE MENACE OF INSECURITY- Remarks during the visit of the Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral

  • Dele Ezeoba
  • 131

GHOSTS MUST DISAPPEAR FROM OUR PAYROLL- Remarks on the occasion of the biometric data capturing exercise 134

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

04

PRISONS SHOULD REFORM NOT CONDEMN-

  • Remarks during the visit of Minister of Interior
  • 138

140
ACCOUNTABILITY IS OUR ARTICLE OF FAITH- Address while inaugurating the Verification & Audit Exercise Commiꢀee

A NEW DAY FOR BAYELSA

LET THIS BE A NEW BEGINNING FOR BAYELSA- Remarks at Easter day church service at the Toru-Orua Christian

  • centre
  • 147

OUR LONG WALK FOR PEACE AND STABILITY- Remarks at the Restoration Grand Rally and Peace Road Walk 150

OUR GOVT IS FOR EVERY BAYELSAN- Remarks during a courtesy call by the Okpoama council of chiefs 155

HELP IN TIME OF OUR NEED- Remarks to the Aliko Dangote-led presidential commiꢀee on Flood

  • and Rehabilitation
  • 163

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EU- Address during a courtesy visit by the European Union Ambassador

  • to Nigeria
  • 167

SALUTE TO COURAGE- Governor Henry Seriake Dicksonʹs tribute to late General Owoye

  • Azazi
  • 170

TOMORROW BELONGS TO OUR YOUTH- Remarks at the inauguration of the Youth Development Commiꢀee 181

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

05

RUN LOCAL COUNCILS WITH A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY- Remarks at the swearing in of two local government chairmen 186

POWER MUST BE ROOTED IN THE PEOPLE- Remarks at flag-off of PDP local government election campaigns 189

WHY WE MUST STOP RUMOURS- Remarks at the inauguration of the State Public Information

  • Management Commiꢀee
  • 192

THE PECULIAR DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES OF THE NIGER DELTA- Remarks during a courtesy call by the Minister for Niger Delta

  • Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe
  • 196

ADAKA BOROʹS WORTHY EXAMPLE-

  • Remarks at 2013 Boro Day celebration
  • 199

202
THE CHALLENGE THROWN BY ADAKA BORO REMAINS- Address at the Colloquium in celebration of Adaka Boro Day

LET ALL HANDS BE ON DECK- Remarks at the inauguration of the Diaspora Mobilization & Contact

  • Commiꢀee
  • 213

WE MUST BUILD BRIDGES OF UNDERSTANDING- Address to a meeting of Niger Delta monarchs THE PEOPLEʹS RIGHT TO KNOW-
215

  • 219
  • Address at the 16th edition of monthly transparency briefing

GETTING TO BRASS TACKS: OUR FUTURE IS OURS TO MAKE OR MAR- Remarks during a ʹThank Youʹ visit to Brass local government area 223

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

06

OUR GOVT WILL BE FAIR TO ALL- Remarks at the Thank You rally at Nembe local government area 232 WE MUST SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT- Remarks during a thank you tour of Ogbia local government area 257

OUR SOLIDARITY TOUR SHOWS OUR CONCERT WITH THE PEOPLE-

  • Opening remarks at the 30th executive council meeting
  • 265

269
A CALL TO DUTY- Remarks at the swearing-in of two special advisers

NO DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT PEACE- Speech at the conferment of the chieꢁaincy title of Ogbogbo Olotu i

  • of Oguan kingdom
  • 272

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO REACH THE PROMISE LAND- Remarks at the monthly transparency initiative press briefing for the

  • month of December 2013
  • 275

OUR CHARGE TO IJAW YOUTH- Remarks at the formal introduction of the new executive of the Ijaw

  • Youth Council
  • 289

THE TIES THAT BIND US- Remarks during visit to the Fidipote Royal House in Ijebu Ode land,

  • Ogun state
  • 296

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

07

PREFACE

The challenges of leadership and governance as they relate to delivery on policies and programmes form the kernel of the book, Dickson: The Power of Delivery. It is a fascinating work which aꢀempts to lay bare the daunting task of repositioning the development track in the state as well as the triumphs, chronicling the stewardship of Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson as the Governor of Bagels State as evident in this compilation speeches delivered extempore by the man fondly referred to asthe countrymangovernor.

From the beginning to the end, the character and vision of the governor reflects sharply on the issues of development in the various sectors of the state economy. Understandably so because of the obvious hurry to develop the state and make impact on the lives of the people and indeed as a democratic imperative. The Power of Delivery is thus arranged in sequence to explain the raison detre for the various development initiatives executed by the government and the achievementsrecorded.

Starting from the establishment of institutions and processes, particularly on the need for prudence and accountability, the book

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

08

logically presents the way and manner developmental projects were initiated and consummated resulting in marked transformation by the state government within ashortperiodoftime.

The declaration of emergency in education, for instance, was targeted at addressing the acute shortage in infrastructure and quality in the sector as a necessity in building relevant manpower for the development of the state. This was obviously in realisation that a proper education for the young people is arguably the most important ingredient in the development process. The proclamation of state of emergency in the educational sector was a fiꢀing step by the Restoration Government to address the rot in the educational sector and as we have seen in the last three years, the transformation in the sector had been phenomenal. Additional incentives to boost educational development also had solid backing in the various scholarship awards up to PhD in highly rated institutions locally and abroad. Considering the pivotal role of education in human and societal advancement and in contrast to the abysmal situation inherited by the government in this critical sector, the steps taken by Dickson administrationclearly standsout asawelcomedevelopment.

We also follow through in The Power of Delivery to connect with the bright ideas behind the huge aꢀention devoted to infrastructure provision by the Dickson Administration. The rationale being that development would be beꢀer and faster with infrastructure in place particularly roads and bridges connecting the three senatorial districts of the state. Accordingly, the administration carried out the construction of a total of 350km roads and critical bridges from February 14th 2012 when the administration came on board and they are contributing to the growth of the state economy through interlinkages now facilitating easy movement of goods and persons from onelocationto the other in BayelsaState.

The essential value in The Power of Delivery on governmentʹs policies and programmes also received greater impetus and realism in the

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

09

context of far-sighted development agenda when we take a deep look at the long-term implications of the diversification of the stateʹs economy, by emphasizing the development of tourism and agriculture as the economic future of the state. The understanding being that overreliance on oil as the economic mainstay in the state was not a realistic strategy to true development particularly in the face of dwindling revenue and other vagaries in both the international market and in the local condition. Diversifying the stateʹs economy was indeed a realistic step taken by the Dickson-led Restoration government and going by the sharp fall in the price of crude in the world market, the administration must be applauded for its foresightedness. Fundamentally, therefore, diversification has led to re-orientation of the people to appreciate and take up business enterprise, build businesses, create more jobs, become self-reliant, happy and prosperous. This new idea found remarkable expression in agriculture just as the dynamic strides in tourism development is achieving same effect though in relative terms. Even with the cautious view that optimal utilisation of the tourism sector manifesting much later when the on-going infrastructure in hotels, golf courses, airport, etc are fully on stream. Bayelsa State is already being hailed as the entertainment capital in Nigeria having played host to a number of high profile entertainment events ofglobal reckoning inrecent times.

Also besides development of human capital, which the book locates in the aggressive promotion of SMEs, the establishment of the Bayelsa Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) as a powerful vehicle to facilitate funding of projects remains ingenious. Similar audacious development aꢀempts like industrialization resulting in building petrochemical and fertiliser companies and in fact the establishment of the Agge deep seaport are such uncommon narrative ofambitiousdevelopmentinitiatives.

This is the basis for the massive provision of public infrastructure in Bayelsa State and invariably boosting economic development, leading to socio-economic revival and social stability. Allocation of resources

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

10

was done in an efficient manner and ensuring value for money spent while all leakages were blocked to also free resources for development andthereby enhancing optimaldelivery.

But there was also an institutional foundation to the overall stability: the government established a robust security system to tackle the menace of criminality and all forms of anti-social behaviour as a deliberate action to restore law and order. Thus Operation Doo Akpor with such modern and sophisticated security system helped to ensure that peace returned to the state and this was the beginning of the new era ofsocio-economictransformation.

What The Power of Delivery consciously narrates in the main is the utility of leadership and vision in public administration and in particular the intricate business of governance. It is a recurring issue in contemporary discourse on why government exists as a function of the high expectations of the people in a democracy and meeting the challenges of the day. Basically, that governments should endeavour as a maꢀer of necessity to deliver on the basic provision of infrastructure, public amenities, create jobs, provide functional education and boost literacy, improve on the health condition of the people, provide security of lives and property, and of course, the requisite institutions and their processes in establishing order and decency in a society. Ultimately this has the tendency to usher in a renewal of hope and enterprise as society is inspired to see an array of possibilities set in motion by the leadership. Excellence as an integral part of development came into sharper focus in the book, completing the other variables of development:vision, goals, leadershipandefficient implementation.

Importantly, that such altruistic leadership and bold vision coupled with the power of delivery as the Bayelsa example demonstrates has significant utility not only in creating happiness among the people but also goes a long way in making citizens believe in the political system and leadership and by implication in democracy as the best form of government. It is also very important in analysing political leadership

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

11

vis-a-vis the values shaping vision and expectations in a polity. Since governments exist to serve the people, we begin to see how far can a government go in offering service and in the long run by which we can alsomeasureresponsibility andlegitimacy.

As we have in this interesting book, such documentation of history and positive contents marks apart the Dickson Administration in delivery on policies and programmes when compared with previous administrations because of the power in the governmentʹs ability to deliver on what is termed The RestorationAgenda, being the manifesto of the PDPgovernment in the state. But this can never be construed that previous governments didnʹt perform--even in relative terms-- but that what we read in the Power of Delivery established in vivid dimensions the superiority and depth of achievements (and without bias) especially when the impact on the people both in the short and long run are put into proper perspectives. This is the inescapable deduction on the book as a valid test of leadership. It speaks to Governor Dicksonʹs commitment and convictions on the challenges facing the state and the route to restoration and indeed how he would want to be remembered as a leader. Arguably all the achievements in the Power of Delivery were not so easy to accomplish ...it had been a product of untold sacrifices even in the face of resistance by some institutional stakeholders. What counted strongly here was the political will to take decision in the public interest irrespective of how unpleasant such decision could be to vested interest groups especially in a political environment where sentiments and parochial inclination still interfere in the act of governance and public affairs in general. And this essentially underlines the high point in the book, establishing the fact that the gamut of chronicle in The Power of Delivery is not just about innovativeleadershipbut revolutionary.

DanielIworiso-Markson

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

12

PROLOGUE

The Power of Delivery basically examines the second phase of the trilogy and is a successor to the first book of the trilogy, The Art of Delivery. It therefore begins with the address Governor Dickson made at the Easter Day service when he compares the resurrection of our Lordwith the newbeginning forBayelsa.

THE POWER OF DELIVERY BY HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON

13

EDUCATION

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GOOD EDUCATION

Speech delivered during the inauguration of a task force to assess educational infrastructure in Bayelsa State on July 10, 2012

have always said that the most fundamental challenge facing our people is the challenge of human capacity development. That was

I

why this government declared a state of emergency in the educational sector. That was why we announced free and compulsory educationforourpeople.

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    November 2019 Interim Report The Bayelsa State Oil & Environmental Commission | Nov 2019 Interim Report Date of publication: 1 November 2019 Written by: The Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission 2 The Bayelsa State Oil & Environmental Commission | Nov 2019 Interim Report Contents: Introduction 4 Environmental degradation 5 A silent health crisis 6 Economic devastation 7 Communities destabilised 9 Access to Justice 10 Conclusion 11 3 The Bayelsa State Oil & Environmental Commission | Nov 2019 Interim Report Introduction Few countries on the face of the planet have suffered more from oil pollution than Nigeria. Over the last half century, as many as ten million barrels of oil have been spilled across the country. That’s equivalent to a spill similar in size to the Exxon Valdez catastrophe – which devastated the coast of Alaska – every single year for the last fifty years. And few parts of Nigeria have suffered worse pollution Communities have been de-stabilised and their cohesion than Bayelsa State. Bayelsa is one of Nigeria’s main oil undermined by disputes and competition for resources producing states, accounting for almost a quarter of its arising from oil extraction which have been sharpened by onshore crude oil production, and approximately a third spills and their impacts. of its oil wealth. It is home to one of Africa’s most diverse The list goes on and on. The cost-in terms of ecosystems, a rich but fragile tapestry of wetlands and environmental degradation and human suffering has been mangrove swamps. vast. And it is rising every day. Despite its immense oil reserves, Bayelsa’s people are What’s more, the individuals and communities affected poor, with the state scoring lower on the United Nations’ have found it almost impossible to win redress for their Human Development Index than any other Nigerian state.
  • Bayelsa State Government of Nigeria

    Bayelsa State Government of Nigeria

    This document is important and should be read carefully. If you are in any doubt about its content or the action to take, kindly consult your Stockbroker, Accountant, Banker, Solicitor or any other professional adviser for guidance immediately.“FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING CERTAIN RISK FACTORS WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SEE “RISK FACTORS” ON PAGE 74-76” .INVESTMENT IN THE BOND IS STRICTLY FOR INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS. BAYELSA STATE GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA Offer for Subscription N50 BILLION 13.75% FIXED RATE 7YEAR BOND ISSUE 2010/2017 Issue Price: N1,000 per unit Payable in full on Application Application list Opens: June 30, 2010 Application list Closes: June 30, 2010 Lead Issuing House Joint Issuing Houses: RC: 223042 RC: 286096 RC: 499243 RC: 125097 RC: 444999 This Prospectus and the Securities that it offers have been approved and registered by the Securities & Exchange Commission. It is a civil wrong and criminal offence under the Investments and Securities Act No. 29 of 2007 (“the Act”) to issue a Prospectus which contains false or misleading information. The clearance and registration of this Prospectus and the Securities which it offers does not relieve the parties from any liability arising under the Act for false and misleading statements contained herein or for any omission of a material fact. The registration of this Prospectus does not in any way whatsoever suggest that the Securities and Exchange Commission endorses or recommends the securities or assumes responsibility for the correctness of any statement
  • Camouflaged Cash: How 'Security Votes' Fuel Corruption in Nigeria

    Camouflaged Cash: How 'Security Votes' Fuel Corruption in Nigeria

    CAMOUFLAGED CASH How ‘Security Votes’ Fuel Corruption in Nigeria Transparency International (TI) is the world’s leading non-governmental anti- corruption organisation. With more than 100 chapters worldwide, TI has extensive global expertise and understanding of corruption. Transparency International Defence and Security (TI-DS) works to reduce corruption in defence and security worldwide. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) is a non-governmental, non-profit, advocacy, information sharing, research, and capacity building organisation. Its purpose is to strengthen the link between civil society and the legislature through advocacy and capacity building for civil society groups and policy makers on legislative processes and governance issues. Author: Matthew T. Page © 2018 Transparency International. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in parts is permitted, providing that full credit is given to Transparency International and provided that any such reproduction, in whole or in parts, is not sold or incorporated in works that are sold. Written permission must be sought from Transparency International if any such reproduction would adapt or modify the original content. Published May 2018. Every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this report. All information was believed to be correct as of May 2018. Nevertheless, Transparency International cannot accept responsibility for the consequences of its use for other purposes or in other contexts. CAMOUFLAGED CASH How ‘Security Votes’ Fuel Corruption in Nigeria D Camouflaged Cash: How ‘Security Votes’ Fuel Corruption in Nigeria EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ‘Security votes’ are opaque corruption-prone security funding mechanisms widely used by Nigerian officials. A relic of military rule, these funds are provided to certain federal, state and local government officials to disburse at their discretion.
  • In the Court of Appeal Holden at Abuja

    In the Court of Appeal Holden at Abuja

    IN THE COURT OF APPEAL HOLDEN AT ABUJA ELECTION PETITION NO.:… … … … … … … … … THE ELECTION TO THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIG ERIA HELD ON THE 21ST OF APRIL, 2007 1. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, G CON 2. Senator Ben Obi PETITIONERS 3. Action Congress (AC) AND 1. Alhaji Um aru M usa Yar’Adua 2. Dr. G oodluck Jonathan 3. Peoples’ Dem ocratic Party (PDP) 4. Independent National Electoral Com m ission R 5. Professor M aurice M aduakolam Iw u (Chairm an, INEC) E 6. Chief Electoral Com m issioner 7. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Abia State S 8. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Adam aw a State P 9. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Anam bra State O 10. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Bauchi State 11. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Bayelsa State N 12. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Benue State D 13. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Borno State 14. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Cross River State E 15. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Delta State N 16. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Ebonyi State T 17. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Edo State 18. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Ekiti State S 19. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Enugu State 20. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of G om be State 21. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Im o State 22. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Jigaw a State 23. Resident Electoral Com m issioner of Kaduna State 24.