Former President Goodluck Jonathan has praised the efforts of Governor Douye Diri in addressing security challenges in Bayelsa State, asserting that the governor’s re-election signifies a commitment to further enhancing the state’s safety.
In a visit to Yenagoa almost one week after Governor Diri’s victory in a closely contested poll, Jonathan extended his congratulations and emphasized the importance of unity and acceptance of the election results. He highlighted that if Diri had not secured re-election, the progress made in curbing insecurity in the state might have been jeopardized.
“We don’t want to go into unnecessary crisis in the state. Results have been declared and we believe the election was conducted. We believe the governor won the election, and we plead that people should accept it and work with the governor. Let all of us support him so that the state will move ahead,” Jonathan stated during the meeting.
The former president expressed concern about the potential setback in peace and security if the election results were not accepted. He noted the significant improvements in addressing issues like cultism and kidnapping over the past three years and stressed the need for continued focus on development.
Jonathan recounted personal experiences of insecurity, including the kidnapping and killing of his cousin, highlighting the challenges the state had faced. With optimism, he asserted that under Diri’s leadership, the situation would improve, urging the people to allow the governor to concentrate on governance for the benefit of all citizens.
Governor Douye Diri, who earlier received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a second term, is set to be sworn in for another four-year tenure in the coming year.
