Mr Ogidi Bara, Technical Assistant on General Duties to Governor Douye Diri, says the governor is focused on developing Bayelsa.
Bara made this known on Saturday in a statement, while condemning allegations and false news on social media of Gov. Diri’s reckless spending on vehicles and gadgets.
He debunked the misleading reports which said that the state government, under Diri’s leadership, earmarked N700 million to purchase only 50 torches and 100 walkie-talkies for personnel of local vigilante group, known as Bayelsa Community Safety Corps.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the listed security items in the approved budget estimates of N700 million do not only cover the purchase of torchlights and walkie-talkie.
“But included items as 2,000 heated bullet-proof vests, 500 units of pepper sprays, 500 Biometric Scanners, 200 Tasers, Metal Detectors, Firearms among other items”.
According to him, there is a huge paradigm shift in entrenching transparency and good governance in Bayelsa since Diri took over as governor.
He said that the transparency indicators in terms of budgetary discipline, setting priorities right in project execution and putting in place institutional frameworks were some of the selling points which informed Diri’s re-election for a second tenure.
He said that those who had followed his administration, known as the “Prosperity Government” ,with keen interest, would appreciate the fact that he had developed a model in confronting the state’s developmental challenges.
“Against this backdrop, myself and other young Bayelsa people will be visiting various projects sites being constructed by the prosperity-led administration of Sen. Douye Diri.
“The visit will further expose the extraordinary achievement and giant strides by the state helmsman in repositioning various sectors of the state for improved development.
“With this, well-meaning young Bayelsans who believe in the growth of the state, will converge to disprove critics and haters of the policies and programmes of the prosperity administration.
“It is further worthy of note that, Diri’s unique personality, humility, focused nature and peaceful disposition is re-writing Bayelsa State’s political story.
“He is like a dove, a symbol of peace. Immediately he took over as governor of the state, there was no doubt he came with a clear vision of a security plan that has ensured peace and tranquillity,” he said.
He, therefore, described the news parading on social media and some unidentified blogs sponsored by the opposition party in the state as misleading and fake news.
Bara urged Bayelsa people to keep faith with the governor, as he had shown commitment to human capital, infrastructural and economic development of the state. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)