Bayelsa Gov Sacks Seven Commissioners

A cross section of Ministers at the 20th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, recently.

Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday carried out major surgical operation on his bloated cabinet, dropping seven commissioners, first of its kind in his two years administration.
Although cabinet reshuffle had long been expected due to political intrigues ahead 2016, which observers in the state believe has polarised the executive members; but surprisingly, most of those affected were not pencilled down for sacking.
Among those sacked were Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Francis Egele; Trade and Investment, Mr. Ayakeme Massa and Health, Dr. Anapurere Michael Awoli, were asked to go.
Others affected in the surprising cabinet shake-up are commissioners for Tourism Development, Mr. Nelson Belief; Special Duties (Federal Projects), Mr. Gesiye Isowo; Science, Technology and Manpower Development, Mr. Parkinson Macmanuel and Environment, Dr. Sylvanus Abila.
A statement by Dickson’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the action was informed by “the ongoing re-organisation of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for a more optimal implementation of the Restoration Agenda”.
The governor asked the affected persons to immediately vacate their positions and hand over to the permanent secretaries in their various ministries.
He expressed gratitude to them for their commitment to “service, diligence, hard work and invaluable contributions to the successes attained by his administration in the last two years.”
He wished them well in all their future endeavours, saying he could call on them again to serve the state in other capacities.
Dickson said: “The reorganization of the machinery of government for improved service delivery in the execution of Government programmes and policies as well as the redeployment of relevant officers will be a continuous exercise.”