Bayelsa State: A Long Walk to Restoration

Bayelsa State was created by the late General Sanni Abacha’s military government on Tuesday October 1, 1996, Bayelsa State is agreeably the capital and home of Nigeria’s fourth largest tribe – the Ijaws – also known sometimes as Izons. Due to its linguistic homogeneity, Ijaws who spread across Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Edo,Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo States consider the creation of Bayelsa State a dream come true as it was expected to be the fulcrum of socio-cultural activities spanning the entire Ijaw tribe. More importantly, the Ijaw people, three of whom had been chief executives of the old Rivers State – King Diete-Spiff, late Chief Melford Okilo and Chief Rufus Ada George – considered the creation of Bayelsa State as an opportunity to correct infrastructural defects which they had witnessed in the old Rivers State, one in which they were previously domiciled. This makes the development of Bayelsa State of paramount importance to the people.

True as the foregoing portends, not only the Ijaw people, but the generality of the Nigerian populace have expressed concerns about the volatility that had characterized the political climate in Bayelsa State vis-à-vis the short duration in office of chief executives of the state. While other states in the south-south geopolitical zone like Edo and Rivers have had three (4) governors each; Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom have had only two (3) governors respectively between 1999 and date. It is sad to note that the Bayelsa State experience is rather different and worrisome. Within the period under review, the state has had a whooping total of six (6) governors. It is consequent upon this fact that seeking solution in checking the trend becomes inevitable.

From an historical perspective, the Chief D.S.P Alamieyeseigha-led administration which began on 29 May 1999 got short-circuited on 9 December 2005 during its second term and was succeeded same day by the then Deputy Governor – Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. This administration which spanned through 29th May 2007 was similarly truncated by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s nomination as running mate to the late President Umaru Shehu Ya’araduaduring the elections that led to the federal administration that began 29 May 2007. His ascension to the position of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria created a vacuum in Bayelsa State which needed to be filled. As such, Chief Timipre Sylva who had been a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the 1990s, and a candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, emerged winner of the Bayelsan gubernatorial election on May 29, 2007 and therefore succeeded Goodluck Jonathan. It is on record how Sylva’s major opponent in the 2007 election, Ebitimi Amgbare of the Action Congress, legally challenged his victory. Although the Bayelsa State Election Petitions Tribunal upheld Sylva’s election, Amgbare took the matter to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt which overturned the Tribunal’s decision and nullified Sylva’s election on April 15, 2008. Then, the Court of Appeal’s five justices were unanimous in their decision and ordered that Speaker Werinipre Seibarogu be sworn in to replace Sylva as acting Governor, with a directive to hold a fresh election within three months. The new election held on May 24, 2008 as originally scheduled and Timipre Sylva, again running as the PDP candidate, won overwhelmingly. He was sworn in again on 27 May 2008. On 27 January 2012, his tenure was terminated by an order of the Supreme Court with Hon. Nestor K. Binabo appointed as an acting governor to oversee the state until February 2012 when the winner of an election that will have held will be sworn in. As scheduled, on 14 February 2012, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson who won over 90% of the votes as reported by the Independent National Electoral Commission, took office on February 14 February 2012. He was re-elected by the people of Bayelsa State for a second term in office.

The foregoing experiences have inadvertently characterized the political landscape of Bayelsa State thus culminating in a whooping total of six (6) different Chief executives, being the highest across the South-South geopolitical zone to have administered the affairs of the oil-rich State.

It is thought-provoking that this political precariousness in Bayelsa State is not unique to the sixteen year-old democratic dispensation. Similarly, during the military era, for instance, Bayelsa State had four military administrators from its creation in 1996 through 1999. This is relative to the three administrators for Edo, Delta and Akwa Ibom; and two for Rivers and Cross River States respectively within the same period.

The political volatility in Bayelsa State, as opined by a thought school is largely due to the fact that Bayelsans are quick to complain just about every regime, a few months into it, until there is a basis for comparison with another. Could this be a characteristic feature of Bayelsans, believed to be endemic in the people of the state? Could this be said to be partly responsible for the volatility of the state’s political system, even during the military era? Or could complaints against Bayelsan administrations be truly due to inability of the political system to provide for its members? More often than not, administrations in Bayelsa are perceived to have failed to meet the expectations and aspirations of the people, thereby creating a feeling among citizens that the government is corrupt, amongst other associated negative vises. As a consequence of such undesirable impressions, Bayelsan regimes are often known by one cliché or the other before it is eventually crumbled.

Indeed, the Bayelsa experience is akin to the instability of the political systems in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and others that have created numerous challenges for their people – insecurity and underdevelopment, amongst others. Believably, political elites and other political actors, by their actions or inactions, are capable of subjecting a system to stress which has the potentials of making it fickle. Could this be true for the Bayelsa experience? Could this be an explanation for the relative underdevelopment Bayelsa State has suffered ab initio? Proffering solutions to these hitherto rhetorical questions could put one on a good pedestal to solving the problems of the state.

This is where bringing to bear Almond and Powell’s structural functional analysis becomes needful, understanding that functionalism is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. In this regard, it becomes imperative, therefore, for both government and the governed to see the development of Bayelsa State as a collective responsibility of all.

Using Empirical data, Dr. Godfrey Pondei, in his publication entitled “Development in Third World Countries – A Case Study of Tenure Longevity” hypothesized that the number of projects and programmes a regime could ever successfully midwife is directly proportional to how long the regime in question lasts. Understandably, this postulation may have to hold certain variables constant such as population growth, and economic indices, amongst others. But for a few exceptions, applying this theory to Bayelsa State has rather proven it right. Agreeably, it has become common knowledge that the longer an administration lasts, the greater potentials it has to deliver on its mandate, by way of consolidating on already initiated programmes and projects; which may be discontinued or worse still relocated in the event that there is a change of government.

The latter scenario has played out in many instances in Bayelsa State to the detriment of the rapid development that had eluded the state. For instance, the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha-led administration began the construction of the Bayelsa Airport which was relocated from Amassoma to the Zarama axis of the East-West road by another regime. After having borne enormous costs at the Zarama site, the current administration considered it cost-effective to continue the project at the original site in Amassoma, and as such further relocated it there. This provides a brief background for the much progress the said project has recorded thus far. What a waste of scarce resources that could have done so much, if well directed without a change in government as it has been in other states in the South South geopolitical zone! In addition to such actions being tantamount to waste of resources that could have been better channelled, there is also the possibility of causing disaffection amongst people. Worse still, it has tendencies of giving birth to an inequality in the development equation of the state.

When the Restoration Government came on board roll out a number of empowerment programmes geared towards promoting the standard of living of the people of the state. The government had step up efforts at creating job opportunities and other ways of empowering the people with a view to reducing the high level of unemployment in the state.

Expressing commitment to the development of the physical infrastructure and human capacity, government’s focus is more on manpower development through the establishment of the Micro-Credit Scheme and other ways to improve the welfare of the people. The administration has already secured a preliminary license from the Central Bank of Nigeria, aimed at assisting indigenous businesses and the people particularly the youths to avail themselves of such opportunities.

The government has step up its game in terms of engagement of our people. And the youths are called up on to fit into these programmes. The micro-finance scheme had also started. The government already have a preliminary license from the Central Bank geared towards assisting indigenous businesses.

The established state-owned security outfit called, Izon-Ibe Security Company, is a company which would sustain itself, and was intended to create employment, through collaboration with relevant authorities for the purpose of securing consultancies and surveillance jobs from oil companies to protect pipeline facilities, government projects among other jobs.

A idea has been developed, which is the incorporation of a security company. This will be like any other security company with the necessary approvals and so forth. This company is wholly owned by the state government and the idea is to enable this company employ a lot Bayelsans; work with the relevant authorities and give them some basic enlightenment about what their jobs entail and then deploy them to secure pipeline facilities and government projects for a fee. “Already, the understanding is that most of the oil companies will give their consultancies and surveillance jobs to that company so that company, apart from providing jobs will earn money.

The intention of the government is that this company will be self-sustaining and employ as many as 20,000 youths and deploy them to the communities. Through these consultancies with international oil companies and other partners, raise enough money to pay them without increasing government recurrent budget, particularly at this time of dwindling oil revenues.”

The government has planned an agricultural engagement scheme that would absorb the teeming unemployed youths the governments in it resolve to diversify the economy, through developing agriculture. Welfare's programmes such as scholarships, social welfare scheme for the elderly as well as payment of WAEC, NECO and JAMB fees would continue to receive priority attention in spite of the current economic realities.

The restoration government has done well in the area of empowering the people, and this in a way is to making them self-reliant and to be useful to the society and their in immediate family, The restoration government as a purposeful and a vision driving government in it agenda never forget that our future rightfully belongs to the youths and in terms of empowering the people the youths are the first to consider.

The youths are the leaders of tomorrow and form an integral part of the population. The restoration government is mindful of the consequences of neglecting the youths, initiated several youth development programmes as a measure to carry them along in the scheme of things and redirect their energies to productive ventures to achieve this, the youth friendly Governor appointed youths as chairpersons of the rural development centers, Commissioners, special and senior special advisers, chairmen's and board members.

Government conceived various training programmes in form of skills acquisition for the youths to equip them with relevant skills to become self-reliant and employers of labour , the government successfully sent over 1000, youths to India , Malaysia , Benin republic for ICT, agriculture, boat building and other relevant skills for capacity building, over 800 youths from the eight local government area were sent to maritime colleges in Norway and India For training in seamanship, under-water welding and other related courses, capacity building of youths is very important to this administration. In the era of dwindling federal allocation.

Building Institutions for Reforms
The Governor and his amiable deputy assumed office to meet very weak institutions. This situation created room for fraud, ghost workers, and infractions by Government officials without discipline. Work ethics had broken down; cultism rode roughshod and gangland wars held sway over civility. Now, these cultists groomed by the past administration and voluntarily they were made to renounce cultism. Some of them have their capacities being built in several other areas: Ministry of Science, Technology & Manpower Dev; Ministry of Youth Dev; Ministry of Education; etc. Strong institutions have been built to carry the capacity of the reforms.

Peace & Security: This is the priority of the Restoration Administration. The first thing Governor Dickson did was to review the security architecture of government. You can understand why Yenagoa now plays host to all major national and international events such as World Tourism Day, National Festival, Practical Local Content Conference, and other hospitality related festivals/events. Peace is the plank on which development can be premised. The existing peace has strengthened the relationship between the State and the Centre.

Development Consciousness: Governor Dickson knows that Bayelsa State since creation has been lagging especially in terms of infrastructure, human capital development and social capital. One of the preconditions of development is peace and stability. He has been able to achieve this by entrenching a security architecture that guarantees safe investment. Due process is followed in the award of contracts and the rule of law is working.

Looking Beyond Oil: The administration is already preparing the ground for a post-oil economy. It is this policy thrust that informs the massive investment in Human Capital and aggressive pursuit of Agro-marine-based industries. Tourism is also being encouraged.

Taking care of and showing concern for the elderly. Governor Seriake Dickson is the first Governor who has demonstrated enormous passion for the needs of the elderly. Governor Dickson honours the elders who have contributed meaningfully to the upliftment of humanity are recognized. For example, Dr. Gabriel Okara who has contributed so much to poetry and literature was named after the Glory Land Cultural Centre and such gestures will continue. The Restoration Administration has the blessings of the elders, the women who are being empowered, the youths whose capacities are being built and the adults for the existing peace and security in the State.

Reviving the Ijaw Culture: The Restoration Administration is reviving the fast fading Ijaw Culture. A multi-pronged approach is used in this direction. First is to make compulsory the teaching and learning of Ijaw language in Bayelsa Schools. Secondly, scholarships have been awarded to Teachers who are willing to learn and teach the Ijaw language. There is a Department of Ijaw language in the State-Owned Bayelsa State College of Education. It is now compulsory for Public servants, Civil Servants and politicians alike to adorn their native attires every Friday as a way of promoting the Ijaw culture. Governor Dickson is credited to be the founder of modern Bayelsa State.

This government is proactive, progressive and forward looking. It is prudent, transparent and accountable. The business-as-usual scenario has been put behind us. The building of infrastructure has been intensified preparatory to effective industrial take-off. Agriculture is growing; massive investment is being made in education. The tempo of human capacity building has been accelerated.

Among institutions that have been established include the Institute of Tourism, Catering and hospitality Management, the Jasper Boro College of Education and the Teacher Training Institute. Also underway are the Sports Academy and the Maritime Academy. Handwork and skills acquisition among youths is being encouraged and work ethics has taken root. The pace of development is moving fast because there is value for money,

The business-as-usual scenario has been put behind us. The building of infrastructure has been intensified preparatory to effective industrial take-off. Massive investment is being made in education. The tempo of human capacity building has been accelerated.

When Bayelsa State was created in October 1996, the educational situation was below the worsened national average. There was no standard primary or secondary school in the state, as the few available schools were out of form with decaying infrastructure begging for attention. The state also had no single university or any higher institution of learning.

Today Bayelsa may be said to have witnessed a revolution in the sector. The state now has 548 primary schools and 83 privately owned primary schools. There are also 190 state and 38 privately owned secondary schools in the state. Governor Dickson knows that Bayelsa State has been lagging especially in terms of infrastructure, human capital development and social capital. One of the preconditions of development is peace and stability. He has been able to achieve this by entrenching a security architecture that guarantees safe investment.

Our state is fast becoming the educational hub and epicenter of human capital development in Nigeria especially with the establishment of the following institutions of learning:

•Teachers Training Institute,
•Maritime Academy, Bayelsa youths will receive training in the school to enable the State dominate the profession Sea Farers and other maritime specialists to the maritime Industry in Nigeria, West Africa and participate actively in the International Maritime arena,

The proposed school, would help conserve Nigeria’s foreign exchange, as persons who otherwise would have enrolled in foreign academies, would train locally.

•School of Agriculture, Agriculture Bayelsa State has comparative advantage in large-scale production of rice, palm produce, aquaculture, banana, plantain, cassava and vegetables. The state has invested in mega aquaculture projects with two Israeli companies, which are presently under construction to produce 3,000 tons of fish annually. Our vegetation is suitable for three cycles of rice production. We have major rice farms of our own which produces the Restoration brand of Rice. Currently, we have 4,000 hectares of rice farm at Peremabiri, 5,000 hectares at Isampou and 2,000hectares at Kolo. We have the capacity to grow and produce rice that will feed the entire Bayelsa State, Nigeria, West Africa and for export oversea.

•International Institute for Tourism and Hospitality, Elebele: the first ever International Tourism and Hospitality Institute, was set up to train both middle and senior level manpower in the sector within and outside the country. The completion of the institute, which will issue certificates in line with international standards, underlies government’s determination to develop the tourism industry as part of efforts towards the diversification of the state’s economy and create job opportunities for Bayelsans to enable them contribute their quota to the economy.

•International Institute for Driving, Yenagoa
•Music school, Yenagoa: the Bayelsa State Musical School will be used to record all songs, including that of late Rex Lawson. And the proceeds from the sale of the albums will be made available to their families.

•School of Nursing,
•Sports Academy: The Bayelsa State government establish a sports academy so as to train the numerous sporting talents available in the state. Bayelsa State is a state of full of talents from athletics to combat sports, not forgetting swimming and wrestling which turned out to be the state traditional right. The state had produced seasoned sports men and women virtually in all the sports in Nigeria, some had even represented and have gone international. Till tomorrow, swimming and wrestling are sports the Nigerian nation would not want to joke with the state as it has always come to the country’s rescue when it mattered most in international sporting meets.

•Re-establishment of BYCAS, to prepare our students for remedial studies and which has now acquired a student population of over 3,000students

•Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro College of Education, Sagbama: Dickson, the Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education was relocated to Sagbama from Okpoama in the best interest of the State, especially in the area of easy accessibility, and for more intake in the institution. By way of conclusion, not only has the Dickson administration built institutions, it has built enduring institutions capable of carrying the weight of reforms. Restoration is now a synonym for modernization.

By: Kokobaiye Abeki and Kelvin Ebinyo Ayamah
Members of the Bayelsa Social Media Team
Sept. 20, 2016