By Samuel Oyadongha
Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State, has expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their unflinching support for his current administration.

He promised that his second tenure, if elected, will mark a fresh beginning in the economic, infrastructural and human capital development of the state.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people of the state. You made me what I am today.

“I cannot understate the role you all played in the processes that brought me to the governorship seat first in 2007. Following the annulment of the 2007 exercise, you elected me again in 2008. Your support these past four years or so has been an essential part of the success story of this administration. You have bonded behind this government in our collective drive to our dream future,” the Governor in his New Year message said.

The Governor, who paid tribute to the past civilian chief executives of the state, Chief Diepreye  Alamieyeseigha and the President, Dr. Goodluck  Jonathan, pointed out that “both men were uncommon patriots, who worked tirelessly for the good of our land and its people.”

Sylva explained that “All we have tried to do is to build on the solid foundation laid by these great sons of Bayelsa State;” expressing his satisfaction that today “Bayelsa has done very well on all developmental indices.”

Emphasising on the need to consolidate on the giant strides recorded by his administration, Sylva hinted that, “In the coming tenure, our focus will be on expanding opportunities for sustainable employment for the mass of our people. Our strategy for achieving this goal would centre on exploiting our natural resources and exploring areas of economic activity where the state has comparative advantage.

“We shall renew our focus on agriculture as a key aspect of this strategy. Fellow Bayelsans, I am happy to say that we are well positioned for the future.”

He urged Bayelsans not to be distracted by “opposition from those who feel the end of government monetary handouts is the end of a vital source of life”, adding “we must learn to sacrifice temporary personal gains for the future and lasting progress of our society.”

The governor advised residents of voting age to register to vote, stressing: “And when you vote, be sure to protect your vote. Remember this is the age of one_man one vote”.