Bayelsa SSG steps aside as Governor appoints him BDIC Chair

THE Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Barrister Serene Dokubo Spiff has bowed out of office to return to his legal practice, as well as to have ample time to discharge is responsibilities as the traditional ruler of Ada-Ama, Twon Brass in Brass Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, who received his resignation and thanked him for his dedication and service to the Restoration government and fatherland, also appointed him to a less busy government agency, the Bayelsa Development Investment Corporation (BDIC) to serve as chairman.

The Governor, who announced this at the end of the 79th session of the State Executive Council meeting, explained that the decision to release Chief Dokubo-Spiff was a mutual agreement between the two of them, to enable the legal luminary devote time to his legal profession as well as manage the affairs of his native community, where he is the paramount ruler.

He, however, pointed out that Spiff is still an integral part of the restoration administration, and that government decided to re-appoint him to enable it tap from his wealth of experience, as is services would be still be needed.

According to him, such assignments will be carried out in such a manner that would not hinder his private legal practice and responsibilities as the traditional ruler of Ada-Ama, Twon-Brass in the Brass Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, who appreciated Dokubo-Spiff’s contributions and sacrifices in the various capacities, averred that he served the state meritoriously and wished him success in all his future endeavors.

Describing the outgone SSG as a distinguished legal practitioner, the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), noted that one of Dokubo Spiff’s trademarks was his power of presentation, warm and humorous disposition, which members of the executive council would greatly miss.

The Commissioner for Local Government Administration, Mrs Agatha Goma, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Fyneman Wilson, said they had a cordial working relationship with the former SSG.

The governor announced the re-appointment of the Managing Director of BDIC, Mr Tamunoye Alazigha and Barrister Mrs Funkazi Koroye-Crooks as Secretary of the board.

Dickson also confirmed Rev Thomas Zidafamor as the substantive Head of Service of the state at the Executive Council meeting Responding, Chief Dokubo-Spiff thanked the governor for projecting him into the political landscape, which has enriched his profile and promised to do his best to continually contribute to the service of his fatherland and especially the restoration administration led by Hon. Dickson.

Dokubo-Spiff had served as Acting Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party and later as substantive chairman of the party before his appointment as Secretary to Bayelsa State Government.

In a related development, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly confirmed the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seriake Dickson, Mr Daniel Iworiso Markson as a commissioner having successfully undergone screening at the state assembly.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Friday Konbowei Benson told journalists that the house has performed its constitutional responsibility of screening the nominee and confirmation.

He, however, noted that other necessity such assigning ministry would be done by the Governor.

Markson, had served the governor in his first tenure, as Senior Special Assistant on Media, promoted to Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner in the second tenure of the Governor Dickson led Restoration government.