#NIGERIA DECIDES2023: Bayelsa gov. lauds INEC, urges politicians to eschew thuggery, violence
Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa
Following some pockets of political crisis that featured in some parts of Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri, on Saturday, called on politicians irrespective of political affiliation to avoid thuggery and go for the part of peace.
Governor Diri spoke shortly after he cast his vote at his Sampou Country home. He also enjoined politicians not to force but appeal to people to work with them.
The governor, who says he voted seamlessly in his unit, also lauded INEC for improving upon the previous elections.
He noted that if other units could experience peaceful process like his unit, elections are bound to be successful across the state.
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“I call on politicians to avoid the use of thuggery. All parties should abide by the rules and regulations as enunciated by INEC and by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“You don’t force people to be ruled , you appeal to people and you couth people to work with you”, said Governor Diri, who condemned the burning down of INEC materials in Ogbia area the state.
He continued, “Fortunately we now have BVAS that is an antiquated political strategy that people are still trying to adopt in our state.
“I Just voted seamlessly. INEC has improved upon the previous elections. What I have witnessed here is peaceful and I hope it should be same across the whole state. Kudos to INEC for what I have seen here today.
“Voting started 8.30 in my unit. If other units are the way it is here, elections will be peaceful,” he added.
Describing the incident that led to the burning down of materials at the RAC at Ogbia Constituent 2 as an ‘isolated case’, he
condemned the incident and called for arrest of perpetrators.
“Security will be beefed up across the state and those behind the such action will be arrested and prosecuted”.
Similarly, former President Goodluck Jonathan has also condemned the alleged hijacking and burning of election materials in Ogbia constituency 2.
Jonathan spoke shortly after he cast his vote at his Otueke Country home also called for the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of the violent actions.
