Seven political parties that participated the just concluded governorship election in Bayelsa have congratulated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gov. Douye Diri who emerged winner of the Bayelsa election.
It would be recalled that the governor Diri polled 175,196 votes, to defeat his major opponent, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressive Congress APC, who polled 110,108 votes, while the Labour Party candidate, Mr Udengs Eradiri, came a distant third with 905 votes.
Speaking newsmen on Tuesday, State Chairman of Action Democratic Party, Hon. Mercy Ogege, described the election as one of the most peaceful governorship elections in recent times, despite the apprehension faced by many voters, as he commended the electoral umpire for taken the bold step to cancel areas where the BVAs were not used.
He urged all contestants to embrace the result and team up the Governor, in his bid to deliver his campaign promises to the people, for the benefit of all Bayelsans and it’s residents.
State Chairman of the Accord Party, Victor Fisi, frowned at political parties that condemned the electoral umpire after losing elections, as he congratulated the Independent National Electoral Commission, for their efforts in ensuring a smooth election devoid of manipulation or by-passing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation system, BVAS.
Also speaking State Chairperson, Allied Peoples Movement, (APM), Hon. Peace Opuama, while congratulating the governor on his victory, said the elections has been won and lost, and so it was time to move forward, urging Bayelsans to unite and ensure the continuous peace existing in the state.
Chairmen, Candidates and Agents of the political parties present at the event included Hon. Victor Fisi for Accord Party, Hon – Edwin Tare – Action Democratic Party, Hon. Mrs Peace Oruama – Allied Peoples Movement, Hon. Victor Ben – Boot Party.
Others are Hon.Omulala Pius – Action Alliance, Hon. Simeon Imomotimi for Zenith Labour Party, and Chief Rufus Ogoniba for Action Peoples Party.
Meanwhile Election Observers and Coalition of Civil Societies have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, for ensuring a smooth and fair governorship election in Bayelsa.
Director Total Care For Peace and Development Initiative, Harvart Ededey spoke on behalf of the group to newsmen.
He said Douye Diri, said security agencies assigned for the elections carried out their duties with high professionalism, in the security of lives and property.
Ededey, highlighted the bravery of the security men in Yenagoa Ward 5 Unit 20 where they successfully recovered ballot boxes and other materials snatched by Political thugs of the opposition party in the state, without loosing any life in the process.
The observers and coalition of civil societies commended Bayelsa people for not only voting for their candidates, but for standing up to defend their votes from any perceived election malpractices.