DEMOCRACY DAY: Gov Dickson extols Jonathan, calls for collective prayers

AS the nation marks 15 years of uninterrrupted democratic rule, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and expressed satisfaction with his commitment, dogged disposition and adherence to democratic principles in the face of daunting security challenges. In his Democracy Day message, Governor Dickson extolled the calm disposition and focus of President Jonathan, who had continued to lead by example and promoted the core and age-long values of democracy by upholding the rule of law, freedom of speech and support for democratic institutions across the country to thrive. He called on Nigerians to be supportive of the policies and programmes of President Jonathan, describing him as the most democratic leader in the history of the country. The Bayelsa State chief executive also appealed to Nigerians, especially the political class, to jettison all divisive tendencies, believe in one another and work together to move the nation to greater heights. While urging Nigerians to pray fervently for the sustenance of the nation’s democracy, he called for mutual respect among Nigerians, noting that the present challenges, which appeared to be threatening the peace and unity of the nation were for a moment. Governor Dickson also used the occasion of the democracy day to call on Nigerians to use the nation’s diversity as a source of unity and build a virile and egalitarian society, where the collective strength and wishes of the people will become the driving force and the cornerstone on which the nation can realize its true potentials in all fields of human endeavour. Thegovernor’s message equally enjoined Bayelsans to remain steadfast and believe in the ability of the restoration administration in the state to keep track with its agenda of turning around the fortunes of the state. Dickson assured Bayelsans of government’s preparedness to continue to strive to live up to its responsibilities to the people of the State. He called on Bayelsans to also pray for President Jonathan and his Transformation agenda at the federal level, noting that, the President needs the prayers of the people now, more than ever before.