Former president Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the incumbent Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on his re-election in the November 11 off-cycle gubernatorial election in the state for a second term.
Jonathan in a statement he personally signed, described Diri’s victory at the last Saturday’s poll as well-deserved and a demonstration of the people’s faith in his leadership as well as a reward for years of commitment to peace, prosperity, and progress of Bayelsa.
The former president also challenged Governor Diri on his re-election, saying, “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.”
The full text of ex-President Jonathan’s statement reads this:
Statement on the outcome of Bayelsa State Governorship Election
Congratulations to His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri 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.
-GEJ