By Ebiowei Okiemo
YENAGOA-A socio-political group, Voices Beyond Borderlines (VBB), yesterday adviced that the only way socio-economic activities in Bayelsa State would continue to improve, is for a detribalized Bayelsan to succeed the incumbent Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson in February 2020.
The group in a statement signed by its president, Atkins Pereowei, in Yenagoa said the reason bihind its decision is hinged on the fact Bayelsa State needs the help of both indigenes and non-indigenes alike to develope her economy to enviable hieghts.
According to Pereowei, the incumbent governor has built a solid foundation that has the capacity to fast-forward Bayelsa State into the future and therefore needs a leader with a mind set to accomodate all and sundries to drive the future of the state’s economy.
The group, however, called on well meaning Bayelsans and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to give their support and encourage the founder and Group Chief Executive of KDI Group of Companies, Mr. Keniebi OKoko to take a short at the 2019 governorship election in the state.
“Look at the Bayelsa State Cargo Airport for example, that project has the capacity to make Bayelsa State the economic hub of West Africa. Once commissioned and put to use, goods from all parts of the world would come into Nigeria through Bayelsa State. I mean that is a huge advantage for us as a people.
“Even the Onitsha market is about 45 munites drive from the airport if the road from Yenagoa/Agbere through Omoku to Onitsha is constructed. You know what that means for business men and women that would be using our airport.
“So, we need a detribalized Bayelsan in the person of Mr. Keniebi Okoko to succeed Dickson come 2020. Reason being that Okoko, a strong advocate of good governance in Nigeria, has done very well in business. The Gbarian-Ekpetiama born business mogul has what it takes to lead the state to the promised land if given the opportunity.
“As a matter of fact he has ran several trainings at the prestigious Harvard Business School ranging from leadership programmes to financial management at senior executive level. Today, he has a company that has employed over 120 Nigerians.
“And Keniebi Okoko, the 39 year old consummate gentleman, urbane, exposed, consummate entrepreneur rightly fits into the kind of leader Bayelsa State needs to succeed Dickson.” He added.
