Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, yesterday, backed electronic voting as a solution to the country’s electoral challenges.
Diri, who spoke during a reception in his honour at Sampou Community in Kolokuma Council, noted that although electronic voting might not solve all of Nigeria’s electoral problems, it would significantly reduce the challenges.
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as recalling with displeasure the electoral malpractices that characterised the 2019 governorship election in the state.
He ascribed his victory to God, saying He showed Himself in his case, as the only one who gives power, adding that his predecessor, Seriake Dickson stood his ground against all odds to ensure that he (Diri) emerged governor.
Diri expressed gratitude to people of Sampou Community for the honour done him and appealed to Bayelsa people to be patient and support his administration, as he assured them of development in parts and sectors.
“Electronic voting is part of what would solve the problem of this country. I recommend e-voting, e-register and electronic election in Nigeria. It might not solve all our electoral problems, but it would go far in resolving most of our electoral conflicts.
“I appreciate you all for the love and honour you have shown me. Thank you for the colourful reception you organised in my honour. I bring a message of love and hope.
“The beginning of our government was turbulent, but we have overcome the turbulent weather. Now, we are stabilising and the testimony is all over the state. I only ask for your support,” he stated.
Also speaking, Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commended the people of Sampou for the reception in honour of the governor, whom he described as a divine blessing to Bayelsa State.
He also called for patience and support for the administration, assuring that its prosperity agenda was guaranteed.
In their goodwill messages, representative of Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Abraham Ingobere, State Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Solomon Agwanana and traditional rulers, among others, urged support for Diri’s administration.
Speaking, Chairman, Reception Planning Committee, Chief Isaac Kumokou, and Chairman of the event, Rear Admiral Geoffrey Yanga (rtd), thanked the people of the state for their role in ensuring that Diri emerged as governor and expressed hope that he would deliver dividends of democracy in the state.
