Dr. Kola Oredipe, the Bayelsa Governor’s New Media Director, attributes the peaceful atmosphere in the state during the recent elections to Gov. Douye Diri’s disposition and personality.
Oredipe spoke at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa Council’s Secretariat of Federated Correspondents’ Chapel in Yenagoa.
Oredipe explained that Diri had always maintained that the electorate should have a say and that violence, intimidation, and the use of thugs to harass people during elections would not be tolerated.
He said that the relative peace experienced during the Presidential, National Assembly and House of Assembly elections in Bayelsa was due to the peaceful nature of the governor who, however, was not a candidate in any of the polls.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Diri’s first term will lapse on Feb. 14, 2024 and has indicated interest in seeking reelection in the poll scheduled for Nov. 11, 2023.
Oredipe praised the people of Bayelsa for their peaceful conduct during the polls and also lauded the security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders for their roles in changing the narrative for the better.
On the attack by suspected hoodlums at the INEC Registration Area Centre at Okodi in Ogbia Local Government Area, where electoral materials were burnt, Oredipe said the security agencies were investigating the incident.
He expressed the hope that the perpetrators would be brought to book. (NAN)
