Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, has stressed the need for the political class to see their positions of authority as a means of pursuing the common good of society with a view to improving the living standards of the people.

Governor Dickson stated this in Yenagoa, at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Kemela Okara, a former governorship candidate in the 2012 election.

In a press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Francis Ottah Agbo, the Governor noted that, there will not be any meaningful progress and development in society, if leaders at all levels fail to exhibit the right values and discipline in carrying out their statutory duties.

He noted that, it was in realisation of this deficit that his administration is making conscious efforts to create viable institutions and also nurturing leaders that could take the state to greater heights.

Governor Dickson who, expressed confidence in Barr. Okara’s capacity in handling the affairs of his sensitive assignment, described him as a reliable member of the State Executive Council, with the requisite qualities, experience and values.

While congratulating the new Secretary to the State Government, the Governor charged him to see his appointment as a call to higher service in terms of coordinating the activities of government.

Governor Dickson also swore in a member of the State Independent Electoral Commission, Alhaji Kashim Oru and urged him to work with the chairman and other members of the Commission to conduct a free and fair local government election next year.

Until his appointment, Barr. Okara, who contested the 2012 Governorship election under the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria, had served as Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment from April, 2014 to November, 2017.