41 Special Advisers and two members of the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC), which was authorised by the State House of Assembly, were sworn in by Bayelsa State Governor Senator  Diri on Thursday.

The ceremony was held in the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa.The State High Court’s Chief Registrar, Mrs. Ayibatari Mirin-Johnson, administered the oaths of office and loyalty.

Senator Diri gave his charge to the newly appointed officials, asking them to view their positions as an honour and a way to serve the State’s citizens.

He said: “I charge you to bring your skill and experience to bear in helping us achieve the vision of our brand new acronymn, A.S.S.U.R.E.D Prosperity, for all Bayelsans.”

“As Special Advisers, you have been chosen for your exceptional expertise and experience and passion for service.”

In an appeal to the appointees to respect transparency, accountability, and good governance in the many sectors they would be serving, the governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to these principles.

As encapsulated in the seven pillars of the A.S.S.U.R.E.D agenda, he also emphasised the critical role they would play in bringing the government’s vision to life in the areas of security and peace, sports development, urban renewal and rural development, robust healthcare delivery, and the agricultural revolution and blue economy.

In addition, Diri gave his word that his government will carry out its program of generating power and growing the economy.

The new special advisers, which included former commissioners and former local government chairmen, are Ayibaina Duba (Petroleum – Gas), Franklin Otele (Petroleum – Oil), Uroupaye Nimizuoa (Aquaculture), Ebiye Waripamo (Renewable Energy), Patrick Erasmus (Ijaw National Affairs) and Akpoebidei Alamieyeseigha (Non-Governmental Organisations).

Others are Adolphus Forcados (Secondary Education),
Ebitei Tonyon (Special Adviser 2 Political), Kia Nigeria (Local Government), Iti Orugbani (Special Adviser 3 Political), Jonathan Obuebite (Small and Medium Scale Enterprises) and Benwari Walter (Ecological Matters).

They also included Ayegbegha James (Legislative Matters), Timi Amah (Ethics and Values Orientation) among others.

The two BYSIEC members are Mr. Ajoko Peredigha and Mr. Charles Emmanuel.