The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Monday
reiterated his call on the federal government to issue the operational licence
for the Bayelsa International Airport to enable it commence commercial
activities.
Dickson made the call at the official inauguration
of the new airport located on the Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, describing the
facility as the state gateway to the Gulf of Guinea.
He said it was important for the federal government
to issue the operational licence to the airport now that the electoral
campaigns and indeed elections are over.
The governor said the claim that the operational
licence was not issued because of a perimeter fence was not tenable as many
airports had been in operations for years without such fences.
Dickson, who disclosed that the Bayelsa airport's
perimeter fencing has reached 60 percent completion, said all the necessary
equipment, including a 3.5 kilometre runway, terminal building, navigational
facilities, fire bay, were ready.
He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air force
for the use of the airport, noting that its patronage would in no small measure
protect the facilities.
Describing the airport as one of the best in the
country, Dickson noted that it was strategic to boost socio-economic
development of not only Bayelsa State and Nigeria but the entire Gulf of
Guinea.
According to him, "We are calling on the federal
government, especially the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to issue us
the permit for this airport without any delay. I thank the Air force, the Chief
of Air Staff and the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command in Yenagoa, who
have started using this airport. This means that our world class equipment
installed at this airport will be protected.
"This airport was constructed by one of the
best construction companies, Dantata and Sawoe, which also constructed the Jigawa,
Kebbi and other airports.
“This airport has never been flooded. The
propaganda and blackmail being spread about this project is a calculated
attempt to de-market our gateway to the world."
He said the incoming administration is expected to
consolidate on such key projects, including the Agge Deep Seaport whose Forward
Operating Base has since been completed.
Dickson, who also inaugurated the 2.5 kilometre
airport road built by his government, named it after the first civilian Covernor
of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
He said the airport project was initially
conceptualised by the former governor, noting that the construction and
completion of the project by his administration was in realisation of Alamieyeseigha's vision to build an airport in
the heart of Ijaw nation.
"We have spared no effort and resources in
ensuring that Bayelsa State has the best key infrastructure to drive our
economy.
"What my team and I have put on ground in the
last eight years will continue to speak for us for a long time. We are open to
any scrutiny about our stewardship. We have nothing to be afraid of," he
added.
The Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Council, King
Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, during the occasion, described
the completion of the airport as a major milestone in the development history
of the state.
King Diete-Spiff, a former governor of Old Rivers State,
expressed optimism that the airport
would enhance business opportunities,
promote the transportation system and enhance the status of Bayelsa
among other states of the federation.
Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner for Works, Konyefa,
who described the 3.5km runway airport as a world class, enumerated some of the
facilities on ground to include a police post and sick bay.
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