Jonathan Reacts As PDP’s Diri Becomes Bayelsa Governor-elect

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Governor-elect of Bayelsa, Douye Diri, over his victory at the Supreme Court.

Naija News reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared PDP candidate, Douye Diri as the duly elected Bayelsa State governor.

This was declared by INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on Friday.

Prof Yakubu who addressed newsmen in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with some National Commissioners at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja said the decision is in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment of Thursday.

Recall that the apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-man panel of Justices led by Justice Mary Odili on Thursday, held that deputy governorship candidate of the APC, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremieoyo presented a forged certificate to INEC which led to the cancellation of his ticket with David Lyon.

Reacting to the development, ex-President Jonathan urged Bayelsans to be law-abiding, peaceful and embrace the transition in all sincerity.

He said: “I congratulate His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri who was sworn in today as the 5th Civilian Governor of Bayelsa State, in compliance with the Supreme court verdict of yesterday, 13th February 2020.

“As Governor, the responsibility of building hope and sustaining peace across the State now lies on your shoulders.

“I urge you to always bear in mind that you are the Governor of all Bayelsans and to seize this moment of glory to build bridges of unity by entrenching a culture of love, fairness and justice in our polity.

“Your journey to Creek Haven is a divine one, so I advise you to use the position to do good to humanity and pursue the development of the State in order to write your name in gold.

“You have worked with me before as a commissioner, so I am without doubt that you will live up to the expectations of our people.”