- A Press Release by: NIGER DELTA COALITION FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE (NDCGG), Feb 18, 2012-
The attention of the Niger Delta Coalition for Good Governance, NDCGG, has been drawn to a publication of the Guardian Newspaper report on Page 7 of the Guardian Newspaper titled: “Crisis Brews in Bayelsa State over Appointment of Cabinet”.
Ordinarily, the NDCGG would have glossed over the report as one intended to instigate crisis and designed to mis-inform Bayelsa people, considering the fact that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State assumed office only on February 14th, 2012. For the avoidance of doubt, the overarching goal of the RESTORATION TEAM is to deliver good governance to the people of Bayelsa State through the thoughtful implementation of people oriented policies and programmes. Pursuant to this goal, government is determined to constitute a cabinet that will excel in against the background of the fact that the past administration was characterized by inertia, ineptitude and mal-governance arising from appointing people who are overtly incompetent to discharge their functions in line with the policy thrust of government.
At no time since the inauguration of the Henry Seriake Dickson administration has there been a reported case of in-fighting or scramble by members of the RESTORATION TEAM over appointment. On the contrary, the Restoration team works assiduously to ensure that only people with untainted record of public service make the cabinet. We acknowledge the fact that the Secretary to the State Government plays an invaluable role in coordination the bureaucracy of a State. It is the importance the administration attaches to the office of the SSG that has prompted a thorough scrutiny of anyone to be appointed. In order for government to avoid the mistakes of the past, such painstaking scrutiny is necessary.
It is outright falsehood for anyone to contemplate that the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs – Mr. Daniel Markson-Iworiso signs appointment letters. For the avoidance of doubt, only His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the State signs such letters as no one is vested with such powers. Those who are familiar with journalism practice do not need any rigorous explanation that an SSA can only sign Press Releases and other official letters pertaining to media engagement but CERTAINLY not appointment letters.
Finally, the present administration is only 4 days old and there is no reason whatsoever to believe that trivial matters like appointment would sway members from the ultimate aim of entrenching good governance in the land. Government is doggedly determined to achieve that goal and this administration shall neither be distracted nor swayed in her vigorous pursuit of good governance. We therefore implore the media and other stakeholders to support government’s efforts in her endeavour to constitute a first class CABINET that will serve the overall interest of the good people of Bayelsa State.
IDUMANGE John
NATIONAL COORDINATOR
