…. Explains Why Sawyer Was Chosen
…. Directs Redeployment Of Pension Board Staff
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday, swore in Dr. Wisdom Sawyer as the state’s 12th Head of Service.
According to a press release on Wednesday September 3, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Dr. Sawyer was appointed on Tuesday, September 2 following the retirement of his predecessor, Mrs Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema on August 31.
Governor Diri also swore in two Special Advisers on Legal Matters, Dr. Alabo Ozubide and Inemo Oruebimiekumo, during the 172nd state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.
The governor, who charged the 55-year-old HoS to exhibit a high sense of professionalism in executing his duties and ensure that the civil service remained loyal and disciplined, explained that he was appointed on merit.
He also stated that Sawyer was chosen based on integrity and as the most senior Permanent Secretary and not on any other primordial considerations.
His words: “You were appointed as Head of Service not because you are from the governor’s local government area but that you have proven to be a man of integrity. Also, among your peers, you are the most senior.
“There are some who are qualified by several other parameters but their dates of retirement are just one or two years left and l do not want to appoint another HoS before l leave office. Having gone through your resume, clearly you will outlive my administration the way l inherited your predecessor.”
The state’s helmsman appreciated the immediate past HoS, who he noted discharged her duties with utmost responsibility, describing her as among the finest in the civil service.
The governor directed the new HoS to ensure the redeployment of all staff of the state Pensions Board, including heads of departments, and that new postings be done.
“You are hereby directed to post out every civil servant in our Pensions Board, including those coming from the Ministry of Finance, from the Accountant General’s Office and all the heads of departments. New postings should be done and ensure that men and women of integrity are posted there. A report should be sent back to me.”
Diri equally charged the two Special Advisers to display the highest standards of integrity in the performance of their duties and continue to create synergy with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
