Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has congratulated Rt. Hon. Seriake Dickson declaring that the re-election of the Bayelsa State Governor,is a victory for democracy in the face of unrelenting external forces.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, was declared winner by the INEC REC after polling 134,998, while his major contender, Timipreye Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 86,852.
Elombah.com had reported that the number registered voters was 654493 and the accredited Votes in the election were 242114 while total valid votes were 225520 and rejected votes amounted to 6647.
Total votes cast numbered 232167. APC 86,852; PDP 134,998 and PDM 1572.
In a congratulatory message to the Bayelsa State Governor, following his re-election at the conclusion of the supplementary governorship election, Governor Wike said that the will of the people of Bayelsa State has prevailed as they have resolved to remain with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
A statement issued by the Governor’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, pointed out that the people of Bayelsa State exhibited the true Niger Delta spirit which abhors oppression and injustice. He said that with the re-election of Governor Seriake Dickson, a clear message has been sent to the dark forces of rigging and electoral manipulation that they will never find accommodation in this geo-political zone.
Governor Wike specifically commended the good people of Bayelsa State for being vigilant all through the governorship election process, saying that their hard work and dedication to the enthronement of democracy have been rewarded by the re-election of a true Niger Delta patriot.
The governor stated that the people of the Niger Delta remain dedicated members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, because that is the only political platform that gives Niger Delta issues the priority they deserve, while the others are only interested in the pecuniary benefits which flow from the area.
While rejoicing with Governor Dickson, the Rivers State Governor expressed confidence in the ability of the Bayelsa State Governor to consolidate on the democracy dividends which he availed the Bayelsa people during his first term.
For his part, Senator Ben Bruce representing Bayelsa East constituency, in Bayelsa State, has congratulated Governor Seriake Dickson over his re-election as the state governor.
Bruce-Dickson
In his congratulatory message on Twitter, Bruce said: “Congratulations @iamHSDickson. Those who got there through free and fair elections could not use #DoOrDieElections to remove you!”
#BayelsaDecides: it’s a painful victory – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the people of Bayelsa State for their support for its candidate, Governor Seriake Dickson, which led to his victory at the just-concluded governorship election in the state.
It however expressed sadness over number of those who lost their lives during the election.
“It’s painful that this victory has come with so much pain because we lost dear ones. Those who died are our brothers. So many are yet in the hospitals nursing life threatening injuries because our opponents wanted to win at all cost. We wish to express our deepest condolences once again and to assure them that their death will not be in vain”, it stated.
The party stated this through the Director of Publicity, Restoration Campaign Organisation, Jonathan Obuebite, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the incumbent governor winner.
He thanked the people for renewing Dickson’s mandate for another four-years, attributing it to the “resilience and uncommon courage” of the people.
Obuebite who noted that the victory was important because it came the way of the PDP even in the face of intimidation, tyranny, threats and violent attacks, added that “despite the challenges, democracy won.”
He said, “We want to use this opportunity to sincerely thank all Bayelsans for their doggedness and patriotism because even in the face of such terrible intimidation and violence decided, out of their own volition, they came out to re-elect and return the Countryman Governor to office for the next four years. We are grateful for your remarkable decision as expected in a democracy.
“The people have spoken and we are indeed grateful. It’s your victory, you the good people of Bayelsa State. Without doubt, a new dawn is here. Bayelsans, through their uncommon courage have defeated tyranny and oppression by voting for the continuation of the restoration of our dignity and pride as amply demonstrated through their votes.”