By Charles Igbo
Dr Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria, has hailed the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on his victory at the Governorship polls.
In the election held on November 11, 2023, Diri, seeking for a second term in office, defeated his closest rival, former Governor of the State/the immediate past Governor of the State, Timipre Sylva. He beat Sylva to a distant second place.
In a statement which Jonathan personally signed and posted on X, he congratulated Diri on his victory, and described the Governor’s victory as “victory for all Bayelsans.”
Diri secured 175,196 votes to beat Sylva who polled 110,108.
Said Jonathan in the post:
“Congratulations to His Excellency @govdouyediri on his re-election as the Governor of Bayelsa State,”
“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.”
