Kinsmen of former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on Wednesday, called on the Bayelsa State Government to show more commitment in implementing the findings of the Public Service Reforms Committee as well as prosecuting those found culpable of payroll fraud, employment racketeering, age falsification and other vices.

The people of Ogbia Kingdom, who turned out in their number for a town hall meeting in Ogbia Town, defied a heavy downpour to drum support for the ongoing public sector reforms.

Stakeholders who took turns to endorse the reforms were political appointees, lawmakers, women groups, students and youth leaders as well as traditional rulers including the Obanobahn of Ogbia Kingdom, His Eminence King Charles Owaba.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, who is an Ogbia son, expressed delight with the impressive turn out and show of solidarity with the Restoration Government

He said Governor Dickson’s love for the Ogbia people is exemplified in the unparalleled number of political appointments and projects in the area.

The Commissioner urged the people to sustain their support for the public sector reforms as the process would free up space for more employment and development opportunities.

Iworiso-Markson reassured applicants who are interested in the 1,000 jobs in the public service of fairness and transparency, stressing that no politician would be given any employment slot.

While urging the applicants to prepare themselves for both written and oral interviews to enable government recruit competent hands, he encouraged youths to explore opportunities in the Private Sector.

Earlier in her address, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Council, Mrs Naomi Ogoli noted that the reforms had significantly reduced the Council's total wage bill from N210 million to N134 million.

Mrs Ogoli, who put the current local government staff strength of the Council at 736 said she inherited 1049 workers while the previous 1511 primary school staff have been reduced to 1199.

While calling for more support, the Chairman insisted that those who are against the reforms, do so either out of ignorance or mischief.

In his remarks, the member representing Ogbia Constituency 1 and Deputy Majority Leader at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mitema Obordor lauded the reforms but cautioned those saddled with the responsibility to play by the public service rules.

In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Fred Obuah, and his Power counterpart, Chief Partner Jim-Ogbolo commended Governor Dickson for taking Ogbia along in his administration’s development agenda, stressing that the area has not had it so good since the creation of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Obanobahn of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Owaba, urged public servants to be above board in the performance of their duties to avoid embarrassment and called for the punishment of those found wanting.

Other stakeholders who endorsed the reforms include the member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency, Hon. Sodaguo Festus-Omoni, Chairman, Bayelsa State Environmental Sanitation Board, Chief Robert Enogha, Member, Bayelsa Local Government Service Commission, Chief George Okirinya, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Sector Reforms, Chief Sunday Omekwe.

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