By Samuel Oyadongha

As Bayelsa State marks the 20th anniversary of its creation, Governor Seriake Dickson has again called on the people of the state to sink their political differences and work together for the common good of the state.

Dickson made the call during an interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark Nigeria’s 56th Independence celebration and the 20th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State at Dr Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa.

Represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd), he noted that though the state was yet to fully realise the yearnings and aspirations of its founding fathers, more could be achieved if Bayelsans pool their resources together for the development of the state.

He challenged them to develop themselves intellectually and through other legitimate means especially through agriculture to remain relevant in the nation’s scheme of things rather than depend on government for all their needs.

According to him, the government would do everything within its reach to drive the infrastructural and human capital development of the state through the formulation and implementation of appropriate policies and programmes despite the challenge of dwindling resources.

Going down memory lane, Dickson commended the Armed Forces for all their sacrifices in defending the territorial integrity and unity of the nation and urged Nigerians to keep hope alive in the face of the biting economic recession.