• Diri, Deputy Express Satisfaction, Opposition Kicks
The much anticipated Bayelsa Local Council Election to elect chairmen and councilors for the eight councils and 105 wards, which held yesterday, was marred by voter apathy and boycott from major political parties in the state.
The only participant in the election was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP) and the emerging force in the state, the All Grand Alliance Party (APGA) did not field any candidate in the election that was viewed by many as a mere formality.
Though commercial activities were halted as many offices and shops, including markets were shut, the polling units were empty in many places visited in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Reports from other communities across the eight local councils also indicated the same low turnout as many prefer to stay indoors.
Speaking after casting his vote at his home town, Sampou, Kolokumq/Opokuma Local Council, Governor Douye Diri, commended the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) for organising the local council election.
Diri claimed reports available to him indicated that the poll was generally peaceful across the state.
The governor spoke to journalists shortly after voting at 10.15am alongside his wife, Dr Gloria, at his Kalamaowei wari unit 4 ward 6 in Sampou community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Council.
He expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will emerge victorious in the 105 wards of the eight local councils as it was the only party with wide acceptance and vigorously campaigned across the state ahead of the election.
Responding to a question on why the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state did not participate in the election, Diri said only the faction led by Dennis Otiotio under the control of Chief Timipre Sylva boycotted the poll and that the party had more than one faction.
At Ofoni, Sagbama Council, where the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ehwrujakpo voted, there was late arrival of BYSIEC officials and election materials as recorded in most parts of the state.
Ewrudjakpo said that the late arrival of election materials is the only criticism he has for BYSIEC, adding that elections in Nigeria must improve in terms of the fairness, credibility as well as the equalities of election.
Meanwhile, a statement by the State Police Command under the leadership of CP Alonyenu Francis Idu, said the command has strategically deployed adequate Police personnel and security assets across nooks and crannies in the state to prevent any form of election violence before, during and after the election.
The statement by the command’s spokesman, Musa Mohammed, urged all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters to conduct themselves peacefully and abide by the laws governing the process.
He said the state command will collaborate closely with other security agencies, electoral officials and relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth and credible election.
But the Bayelsa State Labour Party (LP) Governorship Candidate, Udengs Eradiri, described the process around the conduct of the election as undemocratic and shameful.
Eradiri said the entire electoral process was fraught with high-handedness, corrupt practices and other irregularities with results already predetermined by the state government.
