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By Amos Odeh, Yenagoa
The governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has urged the people of the state and the Ijaw nation to support the minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and the executive secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Simbi Wabote.
Diri called for the support while reacting to a recent online publication which tended to cast aspersions on Sylva and the NCDMB headed by Wabote.
He said the duo deserved the support of all well-meaning people of the state and indeed the Ijaw nation, describing them as illustrious sons of Bayelsa.
The governor in a statement on Thursday by his spokesperson, Mr Daniel Alabrah, noted that what Bayelsa needs at this time is for everyone to seek the good and development of the state, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion.
He said, “Chief Sylva, having served as governor of Bayelsa, contributed and is still contributing his quota to development of our state. Now he is an appointee of Mr. President, serving as the minister of state for Petroleum. The best we can do as a state and as a people is to continue to support him. Politics should not be allowed to divide us.”
Diri, while also commending the NCDMB boss, said Wabote carved a niche for himself in the oil industry as a top executive with Shell before his appointment to drive the country’s local content policy.
“So far, in my view, Engr. Wabote has done very well and continues to break new grounds in implementing Nigeria’s local content policy. As a state, we are very proud of him and the work he is doing. With the location of the magnificent NCDMB head office in Yenagoa, my administration has ensured and created the enabling environment for its seamless operations,” he said.
The governor said his administration’s doors are open for collaboration with the ministry and the agency that both Sylva and Wabote represent, stressing that all hands must be on deck to attract positive development to the state.
