Bayelsa State governor-elect, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has declared that his election marks a new dawn for the people of the state, assuring that he will not let the electorate down.
In an acceptance speech shortly after he was declared winner in the Saturday governorship elections, Dickson said he had hinged his campaign on change and restoration, adding that he will not fail in his quest to bring meaningful development to the state.
Expressing gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan, vice president Namadi Sambo and leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for ensuring his victory at the polls, Dickson promised to unite the warring factions in the state chapter of the party as soon as he assumes office.
Here are excerpts of the speech made available to our reporter in Yenagoa.
“My dear good people of Bayelsa State, today is the climax of the journey we started several months ago when I announced my intention to run for the office of governor of our dear state on the platform of our great party, People Democratic Party, PDP.
“We hinged our campaign on CHANGE and RESTORATION. That change you so much desire is what we symbolize.
“Yesterday, we went into general elections as opponents. But today, a new reality has dawned. A reality that enjoins us, as people with common heritage, to rally round one another in the interest of our dear state and to work towards moving the state forward. This victory is a call to service and a call to prepare for the daunting challenges of the future. “To you, my good people of Bayelsa, you asked for change and by the reason of your mandate today, we now symbolize that change. You have voted for restoration. You have voted for the change that you rightly deserve. Bayelsa State and the Ijaw Nation will never remain the same.
“In the course of our campaign, we promised massive investment in critical infrastructure. We also promised you free and compulsory education for all our children in primary and secondary schools. We also vowed to invest in developing the human capital of our teeming youths, such that they will be able to unleash their creative capacities as well as enhance their drive for entrepreneurship. Even much more, we promised that we run an open, transparent and accountable government that places the welfare of our people above all else.
“Let me assure you that these are not mere campaign promises. They will be the cornerstones of our administration. We will do as promised.
“Once again, we promise that we will not let you down. We wish to assure those who contested against us at the general elections and party primaries that there is no victor, no vanquished. Bayelsa State and the Ijaw Nation are the ultimate winners. We urge them all to join hands with us to build Bayelsa State and the Ijaw Nation.
“Let us all unite to build a state that we will bequeath to our children as well as generations yet unborn. We call on all Bayelsans to join hands with us as we strive to turn the state to the Jerusalem of the Ijaws.
“And let it be said of us by posterity, long after we are all gone, that we came, we saw and served our dear state to the best of our ability. Thank you, God bless Bayelsa and the entire Ijaw Nation”.
Jeff Oguike
