Bayelsa Elders Council Gets New Leadership As Diri Tasks Members On Political Neutrality
The Bayelsa State Elders Council (BSEC) has elected a new executive committee headed by former Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Government on Security Matters, High Chief Dr. Boma Spero-Jack, as Chairman.
Spero-Jack emerged chairman on Monday in Yenagoa through a consensus process supervised by a three-member Electoral Committee chaired by Prof. Kingsley Alagoa. Hon. Torpedo Amananaghan served as Secretary, while Elder Adolphus Forcados was a member.
Other members of the new executive committee are Prof. Alison Oguru, Vice Chairman; Chief Benedict Guembe, Secretary-General; Dr. Ezonebi Opubo, Assistant Secretary; High Chief Major Andrew Oputa, Treasurer; Madam Ela Douglas, Financial Secretary; Sir Mathias Otuogha, Publicity Secretary; Engr. Henry Domo-Spiff, Auditor; and Hon. O.O. Osusu, Legal Adviser.
Former Deputy Governor of the state and immediate past Chairman of the council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (Rtd.), will serve as Ex-Officio alongside High Chief Austin Lugbenwei, Prof. Ebi Bio Owotua-Efebo and Chief Douyi Naingba.
Speaking shortly after the inauguration in Yenagoa, Governor Douye Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, charged the new leadership to remain firm, objective and politically neutral in the discharge of its advisory responsibilities.
Diri said the wealth of experience and expertise within the council placed it in a strategic position to provide government with honest and independent advice on critical issues affecting the state.
He urged the elders to rise above partisan considerations and ensure that their counsel remained objective and focused on the overall interests of Bayelsa State.
The governor said the council comprised individuals with expertise in areas including engineering, governance, security and traditional leadership, stressing that government would continue to value their contributions to the development of the state.
Diri also expressed concern over what he described as the gradual abandonment of farming, fishing and trading by Bayelsans, particularly youths, with such economic activities increasingly being taken over by people from outside the state.
He warned that the trend could result in capital flight and negatively affect the state's economic, cultural and political space.
The governor therefore tasked the Elders Council with advising government on measures that would encourage Bayelsans to return to productive economic activities while preserving the values and traditions of the state.
He further disclosed that efforts were underway to institutionalise the Elders Council through legislation, noting that a proposed bill on community leadership and administration before the State House of Assembly could provide a legal framework for recognising the council's role.
Diri congratulated both the outgoing and incoming executive committees and assured the council that issues raised in the handover report, including members' stipends, official vehicles and land allocation, would receive government attention.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, High Chief Dr. Spero-Jack, pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor and strengthen the council's role in promoting the interests of Bayelsa State and its people.
He said the council would provide government with consensus-based advice and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges confronting the state.
In his handover address, the immediate past chairman, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (Rtd.), urged the new executive to sustain engagement with the state government and pursue outstanding issues affecting the council.
John-Jonah said the council had, during his four-year tenure, continued to perform its role as a non-state advisory body by providing counsel on contemporary issues and addressing matters concerning the welfare of its members.
He recalled that following the devastating 2022 floods, the council established a committee, in collaboration with the Bayelsa State chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, to investigate the causes of flooding and develop strategies for mitigating future occurrences.
According to him, the council also established four standing committees in 2023 covering Agricultural Development and Allied Industries, Education, National Affairs, and Security, with their reports and recommendations submitted to the state government.
The former deputy governor, however, called for the provision of stipends for council members, permanent office accommodation and an official vehicle to enhance the council's operations.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for his support during his tenure, as well as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and other individuals and institutions that contributed to the activities of the council.
The new executive committee is expected to provide continuity in the council's advisory functions while strengthening its engagement with the state government and other stakeholders on matters concerning the development and wellbeing of Bayelsa State.
