The Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson, formally brought to a close, the fifth State House of Assembly, praising the members for promoting good governance, peace, stability and development during the dispensation.

While speaking at the occasion of the formal dissolution of the House, Governor Dickson described the House led by the Rt. Hon. Kombowei Benson as “the best and most productive in the entire country.”

According to him, the fifth Assembly has set a very high standard for the incoming one, which is awaiting inauguration, to emulate.

A statement by his Special Adviser, Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the Governor as describing the out-going legislature as “the most impactful, fruitful and productive House of Assembly in the country.”

He commended members of the 5th Assembly for their contributions and sacrifices, which he observed, played a crucial place in the landmark achievements recorded in the state.

“In the last seven years and still counting, going towards eight years, all of you, with the support from your constituents, have given us maximum support.

“As a result of that support and collaboration, our state has seen unprecedented peace, stability and development in all sectors: education, healthcare and investments aimed at expanding the economy of our state.

“Our state is regarded by all as one of the most peaceful and stable states in the comity of states. A lot of the landmark achievements that our government will be known and remembered for came about as a result of the collaboration and unprecedented encouragement that the Executive Arm under me received from you.

“In this 5th Assembly under the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson, has been an instrument of stability, development, security and prosperity. And, that is why we are where we are.

“As a result of the quality of your legislative processes and procedures, a lot of other State Houses of Assembly have come to under study you.”

In his remark, the Speaker commended the collaboration of the 5th Assembly with the Executive Arm attributing it to Governor Dickson’s desire to change the landscape of the state, focusing on education, health care and infrastructural development.

According to him, the House, which imbibed the team player drive of Governor Dickson, successfully passed 92 Executive bills and 13 private bills during its four year tenure and commended the Governor and the Restoration Administration for the inclusiveness in the state’s affairs.

Rt. Hon. Benson, who noted that criticism is a necessary tool for the advancement of a cause, however advised Bayelsans to shun unnecessary criticisms but rather contribute their quota to the development of the state by supporting the Dickson-led government.

Speaking on behalf of former members of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Talford Ongolo, thanked the Speaker and members for honouring them with the privilege to be part of the valedictory session of the 5th Assembly.

Rt. Hon. Ongolo, who described the tenure of the outgoing lawmakers as memorable and successful, said the Executive Arm of government was at the Assembly to show solidarity and support in appreciation of their commitment and dedication to the development of the state.

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