The Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, on Saturday concluded a three-day prayer and fasting programme to commence work in the new year, 2018.

The programme titled, ‘Starting the Year with God and Breaking of Fast with the Governor’ was attended by over 1,000 pastors and top officials of the State Government in Yenagoa.

Speaking at the event, Honorable Dickson warned criminals to desist from acts of violence which are inimical to societal development.

Hon. Dickson, who urged misguided elements to turn away from evil, said that the state government would collaborate with the clergy to start an empowerment programme for the people.

He said that the programme would be designed to create opportunities for the poor to engage in trading and other productive economic activities in the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the Governor as having told the large gathering that the contest for political offices in the society should be predicated on the desire to serve the people.

Dickson stated further that it was indeed unnecessary for anybody to venture into killings and violence in the bid to occupy political offices.

He said: “You must note that power only comes from God. As we go into 2019, our people must know, and the clergy must let them know that they don’t need to kill to be occupy political offices; they must be made to know that they don’t have to pull down the other man to occupy such offices.”

He called on the clergy and the people for continuous support and prayers for God’s mercies, guidance and direction.

Governor Dickson said that he was open to suggestions and productive ideas from the clergy and others which could aid the development of the state.

He appealed to the workers in the state to make their contributions to the development of the state by staying in their duty post to justify the salaries they are paid.

Governor Dickson said that his administration had commenced the process of consolidation to finish strong and well.

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