Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, Thursday, September 14 announced the formal disengagement of the Secretary to the State Government, Serena Dokubo-Spiff, to enable him return to his private legal practice.
Governor Dickson, who announced this at the end of the 79th session of the State Executive Council meeting, explained that the decision to release Chief Dokubo-Spiff was a mutual agreement between the two of them, to enable the legal luminary devote time to his legal profession as well as manage the affairs of his native community, where he is the paramount ruler.
He, however, pointed out that the former SSG will remain a part of the restoration administration, where he will be assigned some special responsibilities as and when such needs arise.
According to him, such assignments will be carried out in such a manner that would not hinder his private legal practice and responsibilities as the traditional ruler of Ada-Ama, Twon-Brass in the Brass Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, who appreciated Dokubo-Spiff’s contributions and sacrifices in the various capacities he served, announced his appointment as chairman of the board of the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC).
Dickson noted that Dokubo-Spiff served the state meritoriously and wished him success in all his future endeavors.
Describing the outgone SSG as a distinguished legal practitioner, the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), noted that one of Dokubo Spiff’s trademarks was his power of presentation, warm and humorous disposition, which members of the executive council would greatly miss.
The Commissioner for Local Government Administration, Mrs Agatha Goma, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Fyneman Wilson, said they had a cordial working relationship with the former SSG.
The governor announced the re-appointment of the Managing Director of BDIC, Mr Tamunoye Alazigha and Barr. Mrs Funkazi Koroye-Crooks as Secretary of the board.
He also confirmed Rev. Thomas Zidafamor as the substantive Head of Service of the state at the Executive Council meeting.
Responding, Dokubo-Spiff thanked the governor for projecting him into the political landscape, which has enriched his profile and promised to do his best to continually contribute to the service of his fatherland and especially the restoration administration led by Hon. Dickson.
Dokubo-Spiff had served as Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and later as substantive chairman of the party before his appointment as Secretary to the State Government.