Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed his thoughts on the outcome of the governorship election in his native state, Bayelsa.
In a statement personally penned and shared by the former Bayelsa governor, he extended his congratulations to Governor Douye Diri.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Diri, as the winner of the November 11 election. According to INEC, the governor secured 175,196 votes, surpassing his closest opponent and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timipre Sylva, who garnered 110,108 votes.
“Congratulations to His Excellency @govdouyediri on his re-election as the Governor of Bayelsa State,” Jonathan expressed.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
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.”
