By Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government is working on plans to ensure that traders and key stakeholders in the business community within the state benefit from fuel subsidy relief measures.
Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made this commitment during a visit by the Bayelsa State Non-Indigenes Market Leaders group at the Government House in Yenagoa.
The group, which comprises leaders from various business unions, including the Unified Traders Union, Igbo Traders Association in Swali, Kpansia Traders Association, and Butchers Association, came to express their support for Governor Douye Diri’s re-election campaign.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo expressed the government’s concern about the hardships caused by the sudden removal of fuel subsidies by the APC-led Federal Government.
He shared that the state government had developed economic packages to alleviate the challenges faced by workers and traders in the state.
The Deputy Governor thanked the business unions for their endorsement and praised their unity, which he believed would contribute significantly to the success of the Peoples Democratic Party in the upcoming Governorship election on November 11.
Addressing the concerns raised by the business unions regarding issues like multiple taxes, high tolls on trucks transporting goods, and fraudulent activities by impostors posing as government officials, Senator Ewhrudjakpo assured them that the government would address these matters.
He also pledged support for the Swali Market Traders Association in conducting a peaceful election in a timely manner.
Chairman of the Non-Indigene Business Community, Mr. Anthony Olikagu, commended the achievements of the Governor Douye Diri-led Administration and praised their cooperative relationship with the government.
He acknowledged the administration’s efforts in maintaining peace in the state and promised block votes for the PDP in the upcoming election.
Leaders from the Unified Traders’ Union, Igbo Traders Swali, and Kpansia Traders Association, including Sir Pius Akabueze, Comrade Jude Osigwe, and Mrs. Nkechi Dikibo, expressed their unwavering support for Governor Diri’s re-election.
They emphasized the importance of including their groups in campaign activities, fair distribution of relief measures, representation of market women in the government, and addressing multiple taxation that contributes to high prices of goods and services.
In a related development, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo assured defectors from the opposition APC from various wards in Ofoni Community and Sagbama Local Government Area of their smooth reintegration into the PDP.
The defectors expressed regrets about their previous affiliation and pledged to work towards the continuity of the Prosperity Government
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
