Bayelsa Assembly Confirms 13 Commissioner Nominees

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed 13 out of the 14 commissioner nominees sent by Governor Douye Diri. 

The nominees include six former commissioners. The returnees are Dambo Biriyai, the immediate past Attorney General and Commissione for Justice; Maxwell Ebibai, Commissioner for Finance; Moses Teibowei, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Daniel Igali, Commissioner for Sports; Gentle Emelah, Commissioner for Education; and Jones Ebieri, Commissioner for Mineral Resources.

The new nominees include Mrs Ebiwou Obiyai, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly; Ayibakipreye Broderick; George Flint; Komuko Kharim; Perepuighe Biewari; Barr Peter Afagha; Mrs Bidei Elizabeth; and Michael Magbisa, a former chairman of Sagbama local government area.

The former commissioner of Sport, Daniel Igali, was absent and after screening five of the former aides, considering the drillings and time spent in answering questions, the rest of the nominees were collectively confirmed.

Hon. Moses Teibowei, Hon. Peter Hafah, Maxwell Ebibai, Dr Ibieri Jones, and Hon. Dambo Biriyai, were questioned based on their areas of specialization and previous positions.

When Maxwell Ebibai was asked what he will do differently, in other to boost internally generated revenue, he suggested that the three senatorial roads be taken to the sea, in order to connect the hither lands.

Also when Hon. Moses Teibowei was asked the priority projects, he said roads and electricity are all important to the lives of people, as it will encourage small scale business and woo investors. 

Two former lawmakers, Hon. Gentle Emelah and Hon. Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, were asked to take a bow and leave as a privilege for ex-legislators. Daniel Igali was absent during the screening session. 

The deputy Speaker, Michael Ogbere, and the Leader of the House, Monday Bubou-Obolo, advised the commissioner-designates to be team players, operate an all-inclusive policy, and support the governor to achieve set goals. 

They were also urged to bring their wealth of experience to drive the policy direction of the government and work closely with the Assembly to improve Bayelsa.