Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has expressed deep concern over the steady decline in the revenues accruing to the state from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).
He explained that the decline was evident in the less than one billion naira shortfall in the revenue received by the state between August and September, 2015.
Dickson, who spoke in Yenagoa at a lecture/dinner organized as part of activities marking the 55th independence of Nigeria and 19th year anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa state, disclosed that the state received N5.2billion for September 2015.
He disclosed that the state received N6.2 billion in the month of August and the amount from the previous month has dropped to N5.6 billion occasioned by the sharp reduction in prices of crude oil in the international market.
“The last report we got was that our allocation has dropped from N6.2 billion for last month, to about N5.6 billion for this month. This shows the challenges that our state is grappling with.
“But, we are not alone. Whereas, many states cannot even, meet their basic obligations, we in this state, are still carrying on.
” As a matter of fact, I have again instructed that salaries be paid as from Monday next week. But this is coming with a lot of cost and sacrifices.
“You can imagine what would have happened, if we didn’t experience this drastic and sudden drop in our revenue, Bayelsa would have been something else.
“But we are still not despondent. We are hopeful that by the grace of God, revenues will improve and we will again work together to take our state to the next level,” Dickson said.
He called on the people to be patient and show some understanding, in view of the current economic challenges.
The governor however, expressed hope that, the situation would improve to enable his administration execute its developmental agenda for the people of the state.
On the 19th anniversary of the state, Dickson lauded the efforts of late General Sani Abacha, founding fathers and past governors of the state for their sacrifices and contributions towards making the creation of Bayelsa a reality.
He enjoined the federal government to ensure that everything is done to maintain law and order in the state ahead of the Dec. 5 governorship elections and urged the people to sustain the existing peace.
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