Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has given kudos to the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major. Gen. Jamal Abdusalam, for maintaining neutrality during the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the state.
The governor gave the commendation on Thursday when Abdusalam paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa, while also commended the professionalism of Gen. Abdusalam, the military and the other security agencies during the poll.
Senator Diri, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said the role played by security operatives, particularly the Nigerian Army, contributed largely to the peaceful and credible governorship poll in the state.
His words: “On behalf of the state government, l thank you profusely for being a fine officer and a thoroughbred professional. I particularly want to appreciate you and your team of officers for ensuring that you were non-partisan during our 2023 governorship election in the state.
“Bayelsa is peaceful and secure because you have been working with other security agencies to keep the peace in the state. You have done well and l hope your successor will continue in your stead and even do better.
“As you move on to other responsibilities, we see you as an ambassador of Bayelsa State and we urge you to portray our state in a positive light.”
In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Abdusalam said he had been posted to the Nigerian Army Headquarters having accomplished his task at the division.
He expressed gratitude to the state government for its support to the command, which he said enhanced their operations, particularly in the building of accommodation blocks in the barracks and other logistics support.
Highlighting some of the division’s achievements, he said upon assuming office in April 2023, the country’s crude oil production was 998,000 barrels per day but at the end of last year, it increased to 1.88 million barrels per day.
He also stated that they were able to dismantle illegal crude oil refineries within his area of operation and significantly reduced criminal activities in the South-South, making it one of the safest geo-political zones in the country.
Diri expressed the appreciation of the state government to the outgoing GOC and his team for working closely with other sister security agencies to maintain law and order in the state, noting that his leadership was exemplary.
actions.”
According to the statement, “AYCF vehemently condemns the recent volte-face by Northern Governors regarding the national tax reform bills. After generating needless controversy and misleading the public, these governors have inexplicably capitulated to the reforms.”
He stated that AYCF, from the outset, has maintained that these reforms, despite potential short-term challenges, are essential for Nigeria’s overall development.
“We view the governors’ actions as a betrayal of the trust placed in them, a demonstration of their incompetence in managing their states’ affairs, and ultimately, a disservice to the Northern people.
“Their arguments lacked substance and failed to acknowledge the vital role of robust taxation in funding essential public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Instead of engaging constructively with the government to address specific concerns and negotiate amendments, they chose to employ divisive rhetoric, fueling public unrest and hindering national progress.
According to him, the approach reveals a lack of foresight and strategic planning, highlighting their failure to effectively represent the interests of their constituents.
“The sudden and unexplained shift in their position, without any apparent concessions or amendments achieved, casts serious doubt on their integrity and raises questions about the motives behind their initial opposition.
“We recognise that effective taxation is the cornerstone of a functioning and prosperous nation. While we acknowledge the need for sensitive implementation to minimize hardship, particularly amongst vulnerable populations, we firmly believe that the benefits of these reforms significantly outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Shettima further stated that increased tax revenue will allow the government to invest heavily in critical sectors, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall quality of life for all Nigerians, including those in the North.
“The governors’ initial opposition, therefore, not only hampered national progress but also demonstrated a disregard for the long-term welfare of the very people they are elected to serve. Their actions appear driven by short-sighted political considerations rather than a genuine commitment to the development of the North,” he added.
