Members of Local Organising Committee (LOC) of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State chapter, during a press briefing on the association’s 2015 National Full Council Meeting in Port Harcourt on Monday. From right to left are the Secretary, Olaleka Ige, Publicity Secretary, Gabriel Nwanetanya, Chairman, Honour Sirawoo, Chairman, Venue/Protocol Committee, Udede Jim-Opiki, Chairman, Transport Commitee, Anderson Hart and Chairman, Contact/Security Committee, Mike Mbonye Photo: Chris Monyanaga

The Bayelsa State Gover
nor, Hon Seriake Dickson, has appointed a new Head of Service, Dr Peter Singabele, a former Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of the Head of Service and a member of the state Civil Service Commission, Dr Boumakuma Kpokiri in Yenagoa, Dickson stressed the need for public servants to uphold the principles of neutrality and absolute loyalty to the government in power.
He deplored a situation where some civil servants involve themselves in partisan politics, noting that, the development is not only against the ethics of the profession, but also negatively impact on efficiency and effectiveness of the public service.
Describing the public service as the most important sector in service delivery in a government, Dickson vowed not to allow political considerations to determine who becomes head of the state civil service.
He expressed continued commitment to promoting workers’ welfare within limits of available resources, pointing out that apart from regular payment of salaries and pension entitlements even in the face of the current economic meltdown bedevilling the nation, his administration has, to a very large extent, addressed the issue of office accommodation for workers.
Similarly, the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has approved another set of political aides to according to him, help spread the gospel of the Restoration Agenda of his administration.
Swearing-in the aides, a commissioner and four special advisers, Dickson urged all political appointees to redouble their efforts at re-connecting with the people, particularly at the grassroots in a bid to spread the positive message of restoration irrespective of the lean financial resources.
According to the governor, as active members of the Restoration Government, assembly and executive council members as well as other political appointees have a duty to identify with the challenges of their constituents towards making life more meaningful for them.
While applauding the restoration team for its efforts and contributions over the various support groups, Dickson said the gesture would go a long way in boosting the welfare policies that were already in place.
Those sworn-in were Mr Perekiye John Buruboyefe, as commissioner for sports development, while the special advisers were,  Hon. Graham Ipigansi for Federal Projects and Liaison, Barr. Belemu Nemine in charge of Special Duties, Barr. Peter Oku Afagha to oversee government properties, while Chief Abednego Don-Evarada is on Public Affairs.