Commissioner laments over neglect in Bayelsa

   A Bayelsa State Commissioner for Works during the military regime of late General Sani Abacha,  Mr P.S. Oti has lamented over the persistent neglect of the pioneer state commissioners.

   Mr. Oti made the assertion while extolling the virtues of the late state pioneer Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr. Paul Nanaotukpemi Orieware at a Service of Songs organized in his honour by the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in Yenagoa.

Late Hon. Paul N. Orieware

 

   He said that it has become imperative to recognize the services rendered by the pioneer commissioners because they have worked tirelessly to transform the village status of Yenagoa to a state capital, adding that there were no structures on ground to work with when the state was created.

  Mr. Oti lamented that they have been jettisoned and forgotten since they successfully handed over powers for democratic rule.

   Extolling the exemplary leadership qualities of the late pioneer Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr. Oti described him as a trail blazer, a vibrant, dynamic, humble and a pragmatic leader who worked unremittingly and tirelessly to transform the Ministry of Information and Culture to enviable heights.  

   According to him, late Mr. Orieware while alive was proud to be an indigene of Ijaw nation as exemplified by his tireless efforts to preserve, promote and propagate the rich cultural heritage of the Ijaw people to the outside world.

  Calling on the state government to give the Late Hero a benefiting burial, the Pioneer Commissioner for Works, Mr. Oti, questioned against the absent of Coat of Arm at the service of song ceremony to serve as a symbol of honour for the deceased.

    He also called on the state government to assist the bereaved children and wives at this moment of grief.

    Also in his remarks, a member of the family who identified himself as Brother Kokowa   described Late Mr. Orieware a rare gem and a distinguished politician of high moral standard who adhere strictly for truthfullness in all his dealings.

   He added that Late Mr. Orieware as a devoted Christian and educationally sagacious has lived a commendable life devoid of sentiments and hatred.

  The forum was also used to offer intercessory prayers for the bereaved family and for the demise soul to rest in the bosom of the Lord.

  Dignitaries from different walks of life attended the service of songs ceremony.

 Meanwhile, according to burial arrangement released by the family, the remains of the Bayelsa State Pioneer Commissioner for Information and Culture, late Mr. Paul Orieware would leave Federal Medical Centre Mortuary, Yenagoa, on Friday March 16^th to his home town, Ayamasa in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state for formal burial and interment.