– I’ll continue to be Governor for all
– Commends Tinubu, Security agencies
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
There was jubilation on the streets of Yenagoa, capital city of Bayelsa State and other parts of the state as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared incumbent governor, Senator Douye Diri as the winner of Saturday’s governorship elections.
The Returning Officer, Prof Faruk Adamu Kuta announced that Diri polled 175, 198 votes out of the 287,554 valid votes to beat his closest rival, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressive Congress (APC) who polled 110,108 votes.
The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Udengs Eradiri came a distant third with 905 votes.
Prof Kuta who declared Diri having been returned elected said 291, 212 votes were cast in the election.
The stage for celebration was set as early as 8am when scores of supporters of the ruling party set up canopies outside the INEC headquarters dancing and waiting for the final declaration of the results.
At the PDP Situation Room located at the Harold Dappa Biriye Memorial Hall, Onopa Government Lodge, Diri in company of Governor Kefas Agbu of Taraba State who is the Chairman of the PDP Governorship campaign council, Governor Sherrif Oborevwori, Mr Ndutimi Alaibe , members of the state executive council and other party bigwigs, it was celebration galore as they rejoiced over the victory.
The final declaration was without drama as there was commotion at the collation room with some party agents exchanging fisticuffs.
Trouble started when issues were raised by the PDP party agent, Talford Ongolo about the collation of results in Brass Local Government Area. His argument was countered by the APC party agent, Dr Dennis Otiotio.
However, things boiled over when the Accord Party, party agent, Victor Fisi was making reference to the utterances of violence by the APC deputy- governorship candidate, Mr Joshua Maclver.
Dr Otiotio got up to observe him and Fisi punched him leading to rowdiness forcing Prof Kuta to adjourn for an hour before collation resumed and Diri declared winner.
I ‘ll be Governor of All- Diri
Meanwhile, reacting to his victory, Senator Diri expressed gratitude to God Almighty and the people of the state for the honour of returning him for another term in office.
The governor, while addressing the media, also expressed appreciation to the PDP at all levels and members of his campaign team for working tirelessly to spread his message of progress and unity throughout the campaigns.
He however urged his party faithful and well-meaning Bayelsans to celebrate with temperance, saying the victory was for the entire state, noting that even those that voted for other parties enriched the democratic culture.
Diri assured people of the state that he will continue to operate an all-inclusive government, insisting that he will be governor for all irrespective of political divide while serving with dedication, integrity and transparency.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for creating the enabling environment for free, fair and credible polls in the state as well as the security agencies and INEC for their display of professionalism during the election.
Diri also expressed appreciation to former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Governor Seriake Dickson as well as party leaders and governors that were present during the election.
He equally appreciated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta State) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers) for their invaluable support as well as Governors Kefas, Oborevwori, Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), and
Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
While noting that the electoral process was not without challenges, he extended his condolences to those who suffered brutal attacks and families that lost loved ones during the poll.
He said: “This victory would not have been possible without the mighty hand and grace of the Almighty and the overwhelming support you have shown towards me and my Government of Prosperity. I am deeply humbled by your overwhelming expression of confidence and by your mandate to serve you for another four years.
“I express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone that cast your vote in my favour and entrusted me with the responsibility of leading our beloved state.
“However, I urge you all to celebrate with temperance, as this victory is not the exclusive preserve of any one political party. Rather, it is the collective will of a people united towards progress and a better future. Even those who cast their votes differently enriched our democratic practice by their participation and dissent. I reaffirm that I will continue to be the governor of all in Bayelsa State.
“Let me appreciate the role of most of the security agencies for their professionalism and hard work in providing security for the exercise. I equally commend INEC for discharging their responsibility largely creditably. “
Diri regretted incidents of violence, thuggery, intimidation and the killing of a young man, Berepelenyo Sibo, in Twon-Brass, saying such actions were unacceptable.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the individuals and families that have suffered from brutal attacks, loss of life, injuries, and harassment during this off-cycle election.
“In particular, the news of the murder of a young man, Berepelenyo George Sibo, in Twon-Brass, in the aftermath of this election, is deeply troubling. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and respect for human life during and after an election.”