Ahead the 11 November governorship poll Bayelsa State, Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (rtd), has urged Bayelsans to be wise in their choice of who among the candidates becomes governor of the state.
Olubolade, a former military administrator of the state, gave the advice in his opening remarks at a reception ceremony organised by Yenebebeli 1 and 2 Communities in honour of Professor Steve Azaiki.
The reception was held at the St. Andrew’s Primary School playground, Yenebebeli 1 in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Olubolade said it was important for Bayelsans to vote for a governorship candidate who would govern and do more to provide the much needed human and physical development in the state.
He further said he was impressed with the peace and progress in the state, and called for maintenance of the tempo.
He said if Bayelsans know what was good for them, they would equally sustain the current atmosphere of peace.
Olubolade stated that wise voting choice would ensure continuity of projects, as well as implementation of new ones.
The former military administrator described Professor Azaiki as a man who delivers in any office given to him.
Olubolade said this accounted for why he enlisted him to be his special adviser when he (Olubolade) was a minister in the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
In her remarks, Special Guest of Honour at the reception, wife of the state governor, Dr. (Mrs) Gloria Diri, commended Navy Captain Olubolade for laying foundation for development of Bayelsa State.
Dr. (Mrs.) Diri appreciated being invited to the occasion, and applauded Yenebebeli people for unity and the honour done Professor Azaiki.
She noted that the celebration of the outgone lawmaker’s tenure reaffirmed that he was a worthy son of the community.
She urged Yenebebeli 1 and 2 communities to sustain the unity and also urged other communities in Bayelsa State to maintain peace so that the state would witness more development.
Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Professor Ebitimitula Etebu, extolled Professor Azaiki’s accomplishments as a former representative of Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency.
The vice chancellor also praised him for the contributions he made towards community, national and global advancements.
Professor Etebu recalled Azaiki’s input to the Niger Delta struggles, national discourse and global issues through the National Think Tank (NTT) and World Environment for Africa (WEMFA).
He noted that Azaki was worthy of being celebrated by Yenebebeli and the caliber of persons who turned up to celebrate with them.
Paramount Ruler of Yenebebeli 1 Community, HRH Alfred Ovuoh the fifth, ennunerated the contributions of Prof. Azaiki to the development of Yenebebeli 1 and 2 communities.
He added that the two communities were elated with the performance of their son and successful end of tenure as a member of the ninth National Assembly.
The communities drew attention to other development needs, and implored Professor Azaiki as well as the Bayelsa State government to do more for them.
Responding, Professor Azaiki thanked the people for appreciating his modest efforts, and reassured that he would work with them to further draw governments’ attention to the development needs of the communities.
He thanked dignitaries and other well-wishers for honouring him, and disclosed that some guests had pledged to support development of Yenebebeli 1 and 2 communities.
Speaking during the thanksgiving service held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Yenebebeli 1, Professor Azaiki thanked God for seeing him and his family through in turbulent times, and for completion of his tenure as a lawmaker.
The former lawmaker further stressed that he would continue to put his faith in God.
Highpoints of the event were thr commissioning of a guest house donated to the community by Professor Azaiki; presentation of gifts by various groups, to him and award of chieftaincy titles and certificate of service to deserving persons by the two communities.
L-R: Honourable Fred Agbedi, Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (rtd)and Rear Admiral G.J. Jonah (rtd), former deputy dovernor of Bayelsa State.
