Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa has attributed the peaceful and rancour-free conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in the state to members’ adherence to party rules and orderly conduct.
Speaking on Wednesday in his hometown, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area during the State House of Assembly primary election, the governor commended party faithful for their cooperation throughout the exercise.
According to him, the smooth conduct of the primaries across the state was a reflection of discipline and respect for due process among members of the party.
“I did not do any magic to get the peace that we have witnessed in the primaries. We have only done what is right,” Diri said.
“Bayelsans and members of the APC are doing what is right. That is why you see people cooperating.
”This is what we need in this country; we must abide by the rules. When people abide by the rules, you get this kind of peaceful and orderly process, ” he said.
The governor encouraged members who had registered with the party but were yet to receive their registration slips to remain patient, assuring them that the slips would be distributed.
“Those yet to get their party registration slip, you will get it. I encourage those yet to register to do so for our party to continue to grow stronger,” he stated.
Diri also urged indigenes of Sampou who were yet to join the APC to register with the party, noting that increased membership would strengthen its political fortunes both in the local government area and across the state.
“Every politics is local and that is why you always see me coming home. I thank every one for your support,” he added.
On reports that the APC National Working Committee directed that results of the primaries be announced only in Abuja, the governor clarified that results could still be announced at the collation centres before being forwarded to the party’s national secretariat for approval.
“The party told chairmen of the electoral committees not to grant press interviews because some signals might be misinterpreted.
”Results should be forwarded for approval based on what was collated. Abuja will not announce anything different from the results collated from the wards,” he said.
Diri assured party members that the final outcome of the primaries would reflect the wishes of delegates and voters at the ward level.
Meanwhile, the incumbent lawmaker representing Kolokuma/Opokuma State Constituency 1, Werinipre Pamoh, emerged as the consensus candidate of the party.
The exercise was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, including the Head of Department, Election and Party Monitoring, Francis Ikim, Electoral Officer in KOLGA, Ajiwa Adeeya, and Engr. Prince Erasmus.
Also speaking after the House of Assembly primary at Ebedebiri in Sagbama Constituency 1, Deputy Governor Peter Akpe described the peaceful conduct of the process as evidence of unity within the party.
“The peaceful nature of the primary election and the conviviality you noticed show that the APC here is united and we will go into the election as a united party,” he said.
