Bayelsa poll: Jonathan congratulates Diri, says “this is victory for all Bayelsans”
By Peregba Jerry
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Bayelsa state Governor, Douye Diri for winning the November 11 governorship reelection bid.
Congratulating Diri in a statement made available to newsmen, Jonathan, who once served as the Governor of Bayelsa state, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to work towards the improvement of the country’s electoral system.
The former Nigerian leader held that governor Diri’s victory was well deserved, adding that his victory demonstrated the people’s faith in his leadership.
“Congratulations to His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri on his re-election as the Governor of Bayelsa State. Your victory at the poll is well-deserved, as it demonstrates the people’s faith in your leadership and reward for years of commitment to peace, prosperity, and progress of Bayelsa,” the statement partly read.
He called on all stakeholders and indeed Bayelsans to work with the governor to achieve his prosperity agenda in the state.
“I urge you to reciprocate this confidence reposed on you by the people through this mandate and work for the general good and progress of all Bayelsans, irrespective of political affiliation, senatorial district, clan or community.
“I commend all the candidates for their participation in the just concluded election and for their determination and passion to serve the people of Bayelsa. The victory of one candidate does not translate to a conquest of the other.
“This is a victory for all Bayelsans. I urge all stakeholders to put the interest of the state above personal and political interests. We must, at this time, unite and work towards building a better Bayelsa.
“My dear Governor, your re-election should consolidate the unity and progress of our dear Bayelsa State.
“Your success confers on you more responsibilities, as the people have, through the ballot, entrusted you with hope and expectation for a better and prosperous future. I urge you to reciprocate this confidence reposed on you by the people through this mandate and work for the general good and progress of all Bayelsans, irrespective of political affiliation, senatorial district, clan or community,” it added.
Calling on the electoral umpire to take serious issues from the off-cycle election and work towards improving the country’s electoral process, Jonathan said “Finally, I call on the electoral umpire and other stakeholders to take seriously the issues of the off-cycle elections and work towards the improvement of the electoral system and sustainability of our nation’s democracy.”
Recall that Diri was declared winner of the keenly contested election. He was declared winner and returned elected after amassing 175,196 votes to beat his closest rival, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who scored 110,108 votes.
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