The Supreme Council of Non-Indigenes in Bayelsa says it would strengthen collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government in the bid to bring development to the state and enhance the welfare of its members.

The outgoing President-General of the group, Mr. Adetona Bakare, gave the assurance on Sunday in a farewell speech shortly before handing over to the newly elected executive of the group in Yenagoa.

Bakare noted that the group, a coalition of more than 15 communities made up of several ethnic groups from all parts of the country, had enjoyed harmonious relationship with the people and government of Bayelsa.

He recalled that the group, which came into existence in 2006, had become a relevant stakeholder of government in promoting peaceful coexistence of people from other parts of the country.

“Our group has a history of wonderful relationship with the people of Bayelsa and we are law abiding and cooperative with the state government and our people perform the civic obligation including payment of taxes.

“We are for the rapid development of Bayelsa and work with the state government because if it is well with the state, it will rub off on us; we have businessmen and women as well as professionals across all works of life amongst us.

“Our appeal to the incoming executive is to deepen the mutual relationship with the people and government of Bayelsa.

“The relationship, which blossomed under our outgoing executive, resulted to the appointment of five out of the nine Special Advisers slots for non-indigenes from amongst our fold and we unified the group even with our diversity,” Bakare said.

A new 17-member executive led by Mr Bartholomew Etegi as President-General was elected by some 100 delegates to pilot the affairs of the group for the next two years.

In his acceptance speech, Etegi appealed to members of the group and affiliated community groups to support the newly elected executive for the growth and unity amongst non-indigenes in Bayelsa.

He noted that the group had a history of peaceful coexistence and fostered peace and symbiotic relationship with the hosts adding that he would build on the foundation laid by previous executives.