The Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, said verification exercise carried out on workers has started yielding the desired results.

According to him, preliminary reports turned in by the state verification team have identified some loopholes through which payroll criminals defrauded the state.

He therefore expressed optimism that the process would save resources for the development of the state.

A statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the governor expressed this confidence during the March edition of the state Monthly Praise Night held at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.

According to Dickson, the on-going exercise would also help government in addressing the ghost workers syndrome to employ more young people into the state civil service.

He said that the exercise was being was being carried out in the best interest of the state.

Dickson advised Bayelsans especially workers to show greater understanding and cooperation to enable government win the fight against payroll fraud and other corrupt practices.

He restated his call on people of the state to steer clear from all crimes particularly kidnapping stressing that the present administration would soon launch a major crackdown on issues threatening the continued peace and stability of the state.

While expressing gratitude to Bayelsans and the church for their prayers and support, Dickson assured the womenfolk of more dividends of democracy particularly in terms of appointments and economic empowerment schemes.

Drawing the text of his sermon from the Book of Proverbs 18 verses 20 and 21, Chaplain of the king of Glory Chapel, Government House, Bishop Dotimi Egbegi highlighted the power of the tongue.

Egbegi therefore enjoined the congregation to always make positive pronouncements about themselves, their families and the state irrespective of life’s challenges.