By Olusegun Olanrewaju (Lagos) and David Lawani (Abuja)
The Bayelsa State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the incumbent governor, Douye Diri, has been elected for a second term in office in the weekend’s off-season poll.
He defeated Timipre Sylva, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the keenly contested exercise.
Earlier results of the day had indicated, without doubt, that the governor of the oil-producing state was coasting to a resounding victory, having won six of the eight local government areas (LGAs) in the state.
The sitting governor, who had earlier won in Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama, Yenagoa, Ogbia, and Ekeremor local government areas when the results were announced the previous day, added Southern Ijaw to his list later as the compilation of results resumed yesterday.
In Southern Ijaw, Diri polled 24,685 votes to defeat Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 18,174 votes. The Labour Party (LP) recorded 119 votes.
The state erupted in wild jubilation yesterday as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Diri the PDP winner.
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Overall, the governor polled 175,196 votes to defeat his closest rival, Sylva who scored 110,108 votes.
In the state capital, Yenagoa, jubilant crowds trooped into the streets singing, dancing, and waving the PDP flags in carnival-like celebrations.
Among the early celebrants with the Bayelsa State helmsman who has just won re-election are Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu, and his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori.
The duo joined Governor Diri among other leaders of the party, as well as the state at the PDP situation room inside the Government House Annex at Onopa, as the results were being announced.
INEC Returning Officer for Bayelsa State, Prof Farouk Kuta, who declared Diri winner of the poll, said he scored the highest number of votes to emerge a winner.
*Tinubu congratulates off-season govs
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu yesterday congratulated the governors elected through the off-season arrangement in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo on their victory in the November 11 poll.
The President also commended the electorate for their participation in the electoral process, affirming the resilience of democratic institutions and the power of the people in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
According to Tinubu, the outcome of the elections reflects the wishes of the people.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu emphasised that democracy thrives when voters reward competence, transparency, and good governance.
While expressing gratitude to the INEC for working assiduously to create a level-playing field for all contestants and the nation’s security agencies for maintaining law and order during the highly-anticipated elections, the president affirmed the need for a sustained commitment to all efforts aimed at further sanitising the electoral system and enhancing the credibility of future elections.
With the election processes concluded, President Tinubu said he anticipates a renewed sense of hope for the people of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states, as well as the consolidation of progress that would position the states as hubs of peace, commerce, entrepreneurship, and prosperity in Nigeria.
“In the spirit of fostering a harmonious and inclusive political landscape in the aforementioned states, President Tinubu asks the victors to prioritize the common good of the people over partisan interests.
“May your tenure in office be defined by close collaboration with all of your counterparts across party lines in the attainment of pan-Nigerian developmental achievements that benefit everyone, and may you lead at all times with compassion and a deepened commitment to our nation’s unity,” the statement concluded.
*Diri lauds Tinubu, pledges to be governor for all
In another development, Governor Diri has applauded President Bola Tinubu for keeping to his pledge of non-interference in the off-cycle governorship election in Bayelsa State.
In a state-wide broadcast yesterday, the governor pledged to be the governor for all the people of Bayelsa, irrespective of their political affiliation.
“I want to place on record our gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for allowing the conducive environment for what has been a free, fair, and credible election,” he said.
He also appreciated the people of the state for electing him for another four-year term.
“This victory would not have been possible without the mighty hand and grace of the Almighty and the overwhelming support you have shown towards me and my Government of Prosperity.
“I am deeply humbled by your overwhelming expression of confidence and by your mandate to serve you for another four years.
“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone that cast your vote in my favour and entrusted me with the responsibility of leading our beloved state.”
The governor described his victory as “the collective will of a people united towards progress and a better future. Even those who cast their votes differently enriched our democratic practice by their participation and dissent. I reaffirm that I will continue to be the governor of all in Bayelsa.”
The governor appreciated security agencies for their professionalism and hard work in providing security during and after the election.
He assured the people of the state that he would continue to operate an all-inclusive government, insisting that he would be governor for all irrespective of the political divide while serving with dedication, integrity, and transparency.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for creating the enabling environment for free, fair, and credible polls in the state, as well as the security agencies and INEC for their display of professionalism during the election.
The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, also expressed appreciation to former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Governor Seriake Dickson, as well as party leaders and governors who were present during the election.
He equally appreciated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as well as former governors, Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta State) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers), for their invaluable support. The same goes for Governors Kefas, Oborevwori, Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
While noting that the electoral process was not without challenges, Diri extended his condolences to those who suffered brutalities and lost loved ones during the poll.
He said, “This victory would not have been possible without the mighty hand and grace of the Almighty and the overwhelming support you have shown towards me and my Government of Prosperity. I am deeply humbled by your overwhelming expression of confidence and by your mandate to serve you for another four years.
“I express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone that cast your vote in my favour and entrusted me with the responsibility of leading our beloved state.
“However, I urge you all to celebrate with temperance, as this victory is not the exclusive preserve of any one political party. Rather, it is the collective will of a people united towards progress and a better future.
“Even those who cast their votes differently enriched our democratic practice by their participation and dissent. I reaffirm that I will continue to be the governor of all in Bayelsa State.
“Let me appreciate the role of most of the security agencies for their professionalism and hard work in providing security for the exercise. I equally commend INEC for discharging their responsibility largely creditably.”
The newly-elected governor, however, expressed sadness over incidents of violence, thuggery, intimidation, and the killing of a young man, Berepelenyo Sibo, in Twon-Brass, saying such actions were unacceptable.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the individuals and families that have suffered from brutal attacks, loss of life, injuries, and harassment during this off-cycle election.
“In particular, the news of the murder of a young man, Berepelenyo George Sibo, in Twon-Brass, in the aftermath of this election, is deeply troubling. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and respect for human life during and after an election.”
After the declaration, the governor went into a thanksgiving service at the King of Glory Chapel in Government House.
