The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged opponents of Senator Duoye Diri in the November 11 governorship election to sheath their sword and work with him, after his re-election as Bayelsa State governor.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) re-elected, after he defeated his opponents, especially Timipre Sylva of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The PANDEF, through a statement by its National Chairman Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, specifically urged Sylva to follow the example set by a son of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and reach out to Diri who has been returned winner of the November 11 governorship election, in the overall interest of Bayelsa State
Essien further said: “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.”