From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Senator Sunday Agadaga, has assured constituents of his commitment to deliver more development projects and empowerment programmes if re-elected.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen on his plans for the district, Senator Agadaga said he has “good intentions” for the people and has already executed interventions to improve their living conditions.
“I have done a little to change their lives by giving them different projects and empowerment, providing food, clothing, and applying for building materials which are yet to be delivered,” he said.
He listed some of the projects undertaken to include work on town halls, a women development centre, roads, and public toilets across communities in the senatorial district.
He noted that a return to the Senate, coupled with appointment as a principal officer, would position him to attract more projects and dividends of democracy to Bayelsa East.
On zoning within the senatorial district, Agadaga said the late Senator Melford Okilo had initiated a single four-year rotation among the three Local Government Areas. Ogbia, Nembe, and Brass that make up Brass Senatorial District. However, he said elders and stakeholders later reviewed the arrangement.
“The elders and stakeholders decided that the single four-year tenure does not benefit the people, saying it made senators from the area bench warmers and portfolio carriers who can’t occupy any principal office or serve as members of important committees.
” So, in the wisdom of some elders and stakeholders, a communiqué was signed by two persons per LGA to ensure that anyone elected as a senator shall complete his second tenure, starting from Ogbia. That’s why I am going for a second tenure,” he explained.
*AM AmA Proposed submission of a bill to amended the Border Communities Development Agency Act, which he said currently captures only 10 Bayelsa communities instead of about 800. “The bill is about to be read for the first and second times,” he noted.
On projects, the senator listed the construction of three jetties — two in Ogbia and one in Okoroma — awaiting commissioning; renovation of a town hall in Otuasega, Ogbia; construction of town halls in Bassambiri and Parambie in Akassa; a pavilion at Otakeme in Ogbia; a Women Development Centre and 100-metre walkway in Ogbia town.
He added that he has secured employment for constituents, carried out empowerment and skills acquisition programmes, provided starter packs, and distributed relief materials, including food and clothing, to victims of ocean surge and displaced persons from Bassambiri.
Agadaga said he also facilitated the construction of a telecoms mast to connect more communities to network services.
Senator Agadaga praised Governor Diri for his unprecedented development strides by connecting the three senatorial district to Yenagoa and other live changing projects.
On areas needing improvement, the senator said he would focus on constructing 2km access roads to link more communities, farmlands, and markets if re-elected.
“Construction of 2km roads to connect more communities in my area will provide access to farmlands, open up economic activities, and encourage farmers to plant cash crops that can yield dividends and are fast becoming money spinners internationally,” he said.
Agadaga urged other aspirants to shun blackmail, play by the rules, and eschew violence during electioneering.
“My word of advice for other aspirants is not to engage in blackmail. Play politics by the rules, be sportsmanlike, and eschew violence,” he said.
