Odahiekwu Ogunde, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has praised the electorate in the state for their peaceful disposition during the December 5 National Assembly elections, saying the outcome showed a non-violent electioneering culture of the people.
Diri said the peaceful conduct of the poll also showed that not only did the security agencies allow voting to be unhindered, but the Independent National Electoral Commission ensured that the votes counted.
Diri made this known during a ‘Thank You’ message to the people of the state and said the just-concluded senatorial bye-election was universally adjudged free, fair and transparent by multiple independent observers.
He said the development led to INEC declaring the two candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party – his predecessor, Seriake Dickson and Moses Cleopas – winners of the elections.
Diri said, “Fellow Bayelsans, the bye-elections for the Bayelsa Central and West Senate seats was held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 and the INEC has finalised the vote count. I had expressed the hope that not only will the security agencies allow voting to be unhindered, but that the INEC will count the votes and that the votes will count.
“In what has been universally adjudged free, fair and transparent by multiple independent observers, the INEC has declared our two candidates, my illustrious predecessor, Henry Seriake Dickson and Moses Cleopas as winners of the elections.
“By this outcome, voters have made a strong and unequivocal statement that they want to see a continuation of the dynamic and issue-oriented representation that my deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and I championed at the National Assembly. We cannot thank you enough for your trust and confidence in the PDP.
“I wish to sincerely thank all Bayelsans, irrespective of their political persuasions for participating in a transparent and orderly electoral process. Indeed, I consider this an early Christmas present, not only because you overwhelmingly endorsed the two outstanding candidates the PDP presented to you, but more importantly because, the majority of you conducted yourselves with decorum and the utmost sensitivity to the electoral protocol.
“It is highly refreshing to note that for the first time, the electoral process in our state was largely peaceful and rancour-free and I wish to thank the INEC, security agencies and all stakeholders for lending their goodwill and respecting the will of the people.”
He said the people were determined to evolve a nonviolent electioneering culture and he was glad they had risen to the occasion, noting that it marked a watershed in Bayelsa State.
He added, “Indeed, we did not only vote for candidates that will represent and present our concerns at National Assembly, also voted for a system that allowed the best of us to represent the rest of us. it was devoid of the bloodletting and brigandage that has sadly tarnished our democratic experience.
“By this vote, the people have embraced our distinctive offer of progressive ideas and hopes for the future of the two senatorial districts. It is an emphatic endorsement for a united and prosperous Bayelsa I would therefore like to congratulate our two senators-elect and assure them that the people and government of the state will continue to support them to achieve our collective aspirations.”