Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has praised the State Independent Electoral Commission for its management of the recent local government election held within the state.
Following his participation in the voting process, Governor Diri conversed with journalists and remarked that reports reaching him suggested the election proceeded peacefully throughout the state.
Accompanied by his wife, Dr. Gloria, Governor Diri cast his vote at Kalamaowei wari unit 4 ward 6 in Sampou community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
He conveyed confidence in the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) prospects, expressing belief that the party, which had extensively campaigned across the state, would triumph in the 105 wards spanning eight Local Government Areas.
He said: “PDP enjoys the support of the people and judging from the outcome of the November 11, 2023 governorship election, our party will still take the upper hand.
“As you have seen, the voting process was peaceful and seamless and l think if this is the way it is in every other unit and ward, then we expect a peaceful and successful local government election to usher in a new leadership at the third tier of government.
“So far, we are very pleased that there is no report of security breach across the state. At the last security council meeting, l charged the security agencies to be part of this electoral process and to ensure that security of the state was not breached.”
In response to a query regarding the absence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state election, Governor Diri clarified that only the faction led by Dennis Otiotio, which is aligned with Chief Timipre Sylva, opted to boycott the poll. He noted that the party had multiple factions.
Governor Diri stated that the rationale behind their decision was known solely to them.