Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Peter Akpe, has urged the chairmen of the 32 Rural Development Authorities in Bayelsa State to step up their efforts in executing the on-going projects in order to improve the standard of living of the people at the grass root level.
This was said during a meeting with the RDA chairmen and principal officers at his office in Government House, Yenagoa, where Akpe highlighted that the local administrators need to emphasize timely delivery of projects so that the people can see the effects of governance.
He said that there is a need for strict adherence to procurement procedures and policies so as to maintain transparency, accountability and quality in the implementation of the projects. The RDA leaders were instructed by Akpe to compile a compendium comprising photos of completed projects in electronic and printed forms with project names and locations in the respective communities.
Complimenting the principal officers like directors and treasurers who are assisting the RDA chairmen, Akpe encouraged all RDA members and political appointees to take part in the celebrations marking the 30th Anniversary of Bayelsa State which is due to start on September 28.
Among other activities scheduled for the celebrations were an Ijaw language sensitization exercise, sports, a motorcade from Igbogene to Oxbow Lake, boat races, entertainment shows, anniversary lecture, state mega praise concert, and dinner.
Akpe, further, warned political appointees that Governor Douye Diri is the supreme authority politically in the state and, as such, everyone will be expected to work in accordance with the administration’s policy. As he accepted constructive criticism in an attempt to overcome some operational difficulties, he advised the chairmen to become good communicators who would advertise the achievements of the state government to the citizens.
On their part, the representatives of the RDA Chairmen’s Forum, led by Saturday Sikoki, acknowledged the supervision and guidance of Akpe in the administration of local government affairs in the state and promised the state government that they would ensure prompt completion of all pending projects.
An important feature of the meeting was the presentation of a gift to the Deputy Governor by the RDA Chairmen’s Forum.
