Bayelsa Deputy Governor Tasks RDA Chairmen On Performance, Progress

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, has charged Chairmen of the 32 Rural Development Authorities (RDAs) across the state to intensify their efforts towards achieving sustainable grassroots development in line with the Prosperity Administration’s vision of Governor Douye Diri.

Hotnews reports that Dr. Akpe gave the charge on Wednesday during a meeting with the RDA chairmen and other government officials at his office in Government House, Yenagoa, where he emphasized the critical role of the authorities in driving development to rural communities and ensuring that the dividends of governance reach the people at the grassroots.

The Deputy Governor urged the chairmen to justify the confidence reposed in them by the state government through impactful leadership and visible developmental initiatives within their respective areas of operation.

According to him, the creation of the Rural Development Authorities was aimed at accelerating development in rural communities, and those entrusted with the responsibility must demonstrate commitment and dedication to the mandate.

He reminded the chairmen that their appointments offered a rare opportunity to make meaningful contributions to society and build lasting legacies that would be remembered long after their tenure in office.

“Your positions as RDA chairmen give you an opportunity to write your names in gold, and the privilege to relate and develop experiences and relationships for your tomorrow. It is extremely important,” Dr. Akpe stated.

He noted that while some individuals may not fully appreciate the significance of the offices they currently occupy, many others have devoted years of service to the system without receiving similar opportunities.

“I know today this position you hold may not be regarded as too important to some of you. But you must know that there are lots of people out there who have worked and are still working for the system that are yet to get anything. I pray that God will continue to give you the grace and enable you use this position to launch to the next level,” he said.

The Deputy Governor further stressed the importance of unity and loyalty within the government, declaring that Governor Douye Diri remains the sole political leader steering the affairs of Bayelsa State.

He cautioned political appointees against pursuing personal agendas that could undermine the collective objectives of the administration.

According to him, all political appointees must remain focused on supporting the Governor’s vision and ensure that their actions align with the administration’s developmental goals.

“I want to repeat the fact that all of you here are political appointees. So we expect you to always be guided and reminded that there is only one political agenda in this state. It is one; and not even one and a half,” he declared.

Dr. Akpe emphasized that Governor Diri is the political captain steering the ship of Bayelsa State and that there could never be two captains in one boat.

“We expect you and all of us to be reminded and be guided that there is only one captain that is steering the ship of Bayelsa, and we equally expect you to also know that there can be no two captains in one boat.

“The symphony or sound that should come from us should be one chorus, one voice, one purpose and one direction.”

The Deputy Governor challenged the RDA chairmen to move beyond routine administration and begin to deliver measurable results that would positively impact the lives of people in rural communities.

He stressed that the true assessment of their performance would be based on the actions they take and the developmental footprints they leave behind.

“At this juncture, as chairmen whom you are, you should begin to show working and make impact. We should be feeling your impact at the grassroots.

“The actions you take and the results we see will speak for you. You are the core people down there, and we need to begin to feel your impact in the direction we all are going,” he said.

While commending a number of the chairmen for their impressive performance and commitment to grassroots development, Dr. Akpe expressed concern about the passive attitude of a few others and urged them to improve their performance in order to justify their appointments.

“A good number of you are doing well; while some of you are passive waiting for anything that goes. You must know that you cannot be in a boat that you don’t believe in,” he added.

The meeting underscored the Prosperity Administration’s commitment to strengthening governance structures at the grassroots and ensuring that development reaches every community across Bayelsa State through effective and accountable leadership.

Political observers view the Deputy Governor’s remarks as a strong call for greater commitment, unity, and performance among political appointees, as the state government continues its drive to deepen rural development and improve the welfare of citizens across Bayelsa.

~ Hot News Reporters
Friday, 12, June, 2026