Bayelsa State Governor-elect, Chief David Lyon, has said that the incoming government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would do everything possible not to disappoint the people of the state.
Lyon spoke while inaugurating a 59-member Transition Committee of the APC to midwife smooth takeover of government from the outgoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A former Acting Governor, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu emerged the Chairman of the committee while Chief Obioha Oworibo was named the secretary.
Inaugurating the committee at the APC state Secretariat in Yenagoa, Lyon described the coming of the APC government in Bayelsa as historic.
He said members of the committee were painstakingly selected to ensure hitch-free transition and enable his government hit the ground running.
He told the committee members that people’s expectations of the APC government were high in the state adding that they could not afford to disappoint the people, who elected them.
He recalled that when he received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) he described the certificate as a contract between him and the people.
He said the transition committee was saddled with the first task of giving the incoming government the right footing.
Addressing the committee, he said: “Some others are here to contribute fresh ideas towards addressing the issues before us. We have often talked about the failures of the outgoing government and its inability to solve the problems bedevilling our state.’
“The onus now lies in us to bring to bear those solutions that we have, for long, kept in our hearts. You must have in mind that the task before us is enormous and must, therefore, bring your utmost best in proffering solutions to our numerous challenges.
“It is often said that the true test of a man’s character is when you give him power. It has fallen on you, ladies and gentlemen, not just to find and identify failures of the outgoing administration but also proffer possible solutions to tackle the economic, security, development, infrastructure and the several other areas that often put the machinery of government in the negative.
“This, we must do to regain the confidence Bayelsa people have reposed in us.It has fallen on us to protect the health of those without wealth and to seek solutions to insecurity, which has continued to threaten our right to life.’
“This is a duty that you must discharge with dignity, determination and distinction for which you are widely admired. I thank you all so much for showing up for this great state assignment. I can’t describe how fulfilled I feel when we connect as one for a greater purpose. I mindfully took this path and to this day I have had no course to regret.
“Your charge is contained in the document given to you immediately after my remark. It gives me great pleasure to be part of this history. History is more than what is left by the past. It influences the present and can shape the future.
“Leadership is upon us now, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, and expectations are high, we cannot afford to disappoint our people.You will recall that When I received the certificate of returns, I clearly indicated that we have entered into a contract with the people of Bayelsa State.
“This is our first test to prove our people right in the choice they made in the November 16th 2019 election. No doubt, there are enormous challenges facing us as a people. Some of you here have witnessed these challenges before and may have, in your heart, been thinking of what you would do to address them if given the opportunity.
“Some others are here to contribute fresh ideas towards addressing the issues before us. We have often talked about the failures of the outgoing government and its inability to solve the problems bedeviling our state.
“The onus now lies in us to bring to bear those solutions that we have, for long, kept in our hearts.You must have in mind that the task before us is enormous and must, therefore, bring your utmost best in proffering solutions to our numerous challenges.
“It is often said that the true test of a man’s character is when you give him power. This, we must do to regain the confidence Bayelsa people have reposed in us.It has fallen on us to protect the health of those without wealth and to seek solutions to insecurity, which has continued to threaten our right to life.
“This is a duty that you must discharge with dignity, determination and distinction for which you are widely admired.I thank you all so much for showing up for this great state assignment. I can’t describe how fulfilled I feel when we connect as one for a greater purpose. I mindfully took this path and to this day I have had no course to regret.”
The committee in their terms of reference was asked to interface with the outgoing administration for purposes of a smooth handover and takeover and to receive handover documents from ministries, departments and agencies.
The committee was also asked to analyse handover notes and identify, prioritize important or urgent issues confronting the incoming government.
It was mandated to review and assess the balance sheet of government with particular emphasis on status and liabilities and Cash flow position of the government including specific x-raying on relationship with all banks and financial institutions among others.
Provide brief on civil service reforms carried out in the past seven years; workforce of core Ministries, Departments and Agencies; recruitment/career appointments made and staff disposition records for the past four years.