Governor Douye Diri of Bayeksa has applauded the impressive turnout of members during the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries held across the state, describing the exercise as peaceful and well-organised.
The governor spoke on Monday shortly after voting concluded at Sampou/Kalama Ward 6 in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
The APC adopted the consensus arrangement in most parts of the state during the primaries.
However, delegates and party members in Bayelsa East Senatorial District opted for direct voting following disagreements over the consensus method.
Governor Diri expressed satisfaction with the conduct of party members, noting that the primaries had remained orderly since the commencement of the House of Representatives elections on Saturday.
According to him, the peaceful atmosphere recorded during the exercise reflected the commitment of the APC leadership and his administration to maintaining unity and stability in the state.
He stated that increasing political awareness among party faithful contributed significantly to the high turnout witnessed during the senatorial primaries.
The governor stressed that political differences should never divide the people of the state, insisting that peace and brotherhood must remain above partisan interests.
He said his administration had consistently promoted harmony, tolerance and peaceful coexistence since assuming office, adding that the message was gradually yielding positive results across Bayelsa.
Diri further revealed that the adoption of consensus candidates in several federal constituency and senatorial contests helped to reduce tension and avoid unnecessary conflict within the party.
He explained that party leaders engaged aspirants and stakeholders in discussions, leading to mutual understanding and acceptance of consensus arrangements in many areas.
Speaking on the situation in Bayelsa East, the governor noted that the process differed slightly from the Central and West Senatorial Districts due to disagreements among party members over consensus.
As a result, the party conducted a direct primary election in the district to allow members freely choose their preferred candidate.
Diri disclosed that he had instructed the Chief Solomon Ogba-led APC National Assembly Primaries Committee to ensure transparency and credibility throughout the process.
According to him, the integrity of the exercise was important in guaranteeing that whoever emerged would enjoy the support and confidence of party members in the district.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the exercise in parts of the state.
Among those present were the Electoral Officer for Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Ajiwa Adeeya, alongside Caroline Damachi and Engr. Prince Erasmus.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, also commended the conduct of the primaries in Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
Lokpobiri, who spoke with Government House correspondents in Ekeremor, described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and credible.
He pledged support for whoever eventually emerged as the APC candidate for the district in the forthcoming election.
