Spero-Jack Emerge Chairman As BSEC Elects New Excos

The Bayelsa State Elders Council (BSEC) has elected a new executive committee, with former Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Government on Security Matters, High Chief Boma Spero-Jack, emerging as Chairman.

Hotnews reports that Spero-Jack was elected in Yenagoa alongside Prof. Alison Oguru as Vice Chairman, Chief Benedict Guembe as Secretary-General and Dr. Ezonebi Opubo as Assistant Secretary.

Other members of the executive are 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 and immediate past Chairman of the council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (Rtd.), as well as High Chief Austin Lugbenwei, Prof. Ebi Bio Owotua-Efebo and Chief Douyi Naingba, will serve as Ex-Officio members.

Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Douye Diri, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, charged the new leadership to remain objective, firm and politically neutral in carrying out its advisory responsibilities.

Governor Diri said the council’s wealth of experience placed it in a unique position to provide independent advice on critical issues affecting the state.

He urged members to separate their responsibilities from partisan politics and provide honest counsel to government.

The Governor also tasked the council to advise on value reorientation, particularly the need to encourage Bayelsans and youths to return to productive ventures such as farming, fishing and trading.

He warned that the growing dependence on people from outside the state for these activities could contribute to capital flight and undermine the state’s economic and cultural interests.

Governor Diri 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 framework for recognising its role.

He also assured the council that issues raised in the outgoing executive’s handover report, including stipends, vehicles and land allocation, would receive government attention.

In his acceptance speech, Spero-Jack pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor and promote initiatives that would benefit Bayelsa youths.

He said the council would provide consensus-based advice to government and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address challenges confronting the state.

The immediate past chairman, Rear Admiral John-Jonah, said the council had, during his tenure, played its advisory role by addressing contemporary issues and welfare concerns.

He highlighted its intervention following the 2022 floods, which led to a committee being established in collaboration with the Nigerian Society of Engineers to examine the causes of flooding and recommend mitigation measures.

He also disclosed that the council established four standing committees in 2023 on Agricultural Development and Allied Industries, Education, National Affairs and Security, with their recommendations submitted to government.

John-Jonah urged the incoming leadership to sustain engagement with government and pursue unresolved issues, including the provision of stipends, permanent office accommodation and an official vehicle for the council.

The new executive emerged through a consensus process supervised by a three-member Electoral Committee chaired by Prof. Kingsley Alagoa, with Hon. Torpedo Amananaghan as Secretary and Elder Adolphus Forcados as member.

~ Hot News Reporters
Saturday, 22, August, 2026