You are insensitive – Bayelsa ACN blasts Dickson over planned annual leave

Bayelsa state chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, yesterday criticized Governor Seriake Dickson’s planned annual leave, advising him to stay back and proffer solution to the predicted flood in the state.

The party in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Christopher Abarowei, said the poor performance of the various emergency committees set up to tackle the last flood disaster “was salvaged by the presence of the State Governor,” adding that “the absence of the Governor at this critical moment will spell doom for the state and make nonsense of the huge funding proposed for humanitarian and infrastructural efforts by the various committees.”

While noting that the Governor’s request to the House of Assembly to proceed on leave was normal and legal, they opined that he should shelve the plan to fully monitor the judicious use of the approved N1billion fund for flood control in the state.

“Against the backdrop of the BYHA approval of N1billion for the State to tackle the issue of drainage and flood in the state,the ACN call on the Governor to shelve his proposed annual three weeks leave approved by the House to fully monitor and ensure the implementation and judicious use of the funds for the projects.” The statement reads.

Recalling the ugly incident of corrupt practices and diversion of relief materials meant for flood victims by some highly placed government and political appointee, ACN said it was saddened that the government had not brought to book the culprits for the mismanagement.

“With the heavy rain, experienced recently in the state, houses and roads have been flooded, Government is yet to tackle the menace and provide proactive measures to move against the predicted flood.” The party had said.

The opposition party further noted that Dickson’s intention to go on leave “is insensitive and counter productive at this crucial time.”

The statement also commended the inclusion of the former State Chairman of the ACN, Comrade Ebikibina Miriki, as a member of the National Executive Committee,NEC, of the yet to be registered All Progressive Congress,APC.

It described it as a welcome development, saying that Comrade Miriki is a seasoned politician.