The National leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has urged Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and all the other governorship candidates in the Bayelsa gubernatorial election to emulate former President Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Jonathan a noble son of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta had set an example in reaching out to his opponent Former President Muhammadu Buhari with a message of congratulations even before the results of the 2015 Presidential election was officially declared.
A statement by the National Chairman Pan Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEF) Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien said, following the declaration of incumbent governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State, by the Independent National Electoral Commission Sylva and other opponents should congratulate Governor Diri who has been returned winner of the November 11 Governorship election, in the overall interest of Bayelsa State.
“PANDEF, accordingly, congratulates His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri on his well-deserved re-election for a 2nd Term and urges him to be magnanimous in victory while calling on all political leaders in Bayelsa State to work together by placing the peace and stability of the state above all other considerations.
“PANDEF further commends the people of Bayelsa State for the relatively peaceful governorship election, which was devoid of violence in most places.
“We are using this opportunity to also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the security agencies for the orderly manner in which they conducted the off-season election in Bayelsa State. It should be noted that Bayelsa State is critical to the stability of the Niger Delta region, and the national economy in general. Hence, the peaceful electoral outcome is quite pleasing to all.
“We must also commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his stately stance of non-interference in the electoral process.
“PANDEF calls on the security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported unfortunate incident of death in Brass local government area of the state as well as other infractions committed during the election.”