By Amos Okioma
Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has cautioned politicians not to use state resources and authority to the detriment of any group or section of the country.
The governor also emphasized the need for those occupying positions of public trust not to only focus attention on physical development, but also prioritize what he calls intangible ingredients of democracy, such as transparency and security of lives and property.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Mr Francis Ottah-Agbo, Governor Dickson gave the advice after receiving the Outstanding Leadership and Good Governance in Accountability award from the DAAR Communications in Abuja.
He identified consensus building, accountability and respect for the rule of law, with a view to promoting the common good of the people as the cornerstones of real democratic service.
While underscoring the importance of infrastructural development, Dickson urged the political class to carry their people along in the scheme of things by embracing transparency and accountability.
His words: “Where as it is right (as we most times do) to place emphasis on physical development, that is, the roads, bridges and other facilities, which we call dividends of democracy, there has to be a deliberate effort on the part of political leaders to promote what I may call the intangible, but equally significant ingredients of democracy.
“Paradigms such as transparency and accountability which empower our people to know what we their elected representatives and leaders do in their name and on their behalf. Issues such as paying priority attention to the security of lives and property as well as promoting consensus building. And making sure that we do not use state resources, power and authority at our disposal to the detriment of anyone or group.”
He expressed gratitude to the DAAR Communications team for the award, noting that, his administration has, in the last six years, made conscious efforts to promote both tangible and intangible aspects of development in Bayelsa, including accountability.
Governor Dickson, who encouraged Nigerians to keep hope alive in the midst of challenges, said that the award would motivate him and other recipients to do more in their various endeavours.
He said, “I want to thank Daar Communications for recognizing what we thought was a silent and hidden revolution in Bayelsa. Few weeks ago, we received a similar award from the Silverbird Group, and I want to also thank them for that great honour.
“And let me say, we dedicate all of these awards to the good and wonderful people of Bayelsa State and our friends, who have given us support, encouragement and their prayers to be able to initiate policies and programmes that are changing the landscape of our state.
“We’ve seen this evening that, in spite of all the way and manner our country and people are branded and sometimes even criminalized, there is no doubt, that we are still a nation of good people; a nation where people strive to do their best in various assignments given to them in the public sector as well as private endeavours.”
Governor Dickson was accompanied to the event by a retinue of government officials, friends and members of the national assembly from the state, including Senators Foster Ogola and Ben Murray Bruce.