By SAM JONES
YENAGOA (Sundiata Post) – As the governorship election in Bayelsa State draws closer, a cross section of residents of the state has vowed to return incumbent governor, Senator Douye Diri on November 11.
They also bared their minds on the qualities those aspiring to the fovernorship seat of the state must possess if they want their votes.
Among qualities mentioned, top is security and infrastructural development, which they described as basic needs of the people of the state while others said they would vote for credibility and progress in the state.
In Yenagoa, the state capital, some said despite the noticeable challenges witnessed during the last elections, the introduction of BVAS and electronic transmission of results by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have redefined the electoral system.
A Yenagoa resident who hails from Ekeremor Local Government Area, Elder Ebiye Accra, most Bayelsans including the business owners and civil servants have resolved to vote for sustenance of peace and development being championed by Diri.
Accra said, “We have not witnessed a situation like this in Bayelsa State where in a major election, not a single life was lost. No security threats, kudos to the incumbent government.
“The governor, Douye Diri, has won the heart of civil servants. That’s for a fact. I get to hear different testimonies from neighbours and other citizens.”
Another citizen, Mrs. Tari Sesei, from Nembe Local Government Area, said the peaceful nature of the incumbent governor has endeared him to a lot of the people.
“That’s the only way we can achieve progress. We must allow this peaceful situation to continue. The other candidates we also know. Today, Douye Diri is the best for us.
“We will not make that mistake of bringing people known with violence to power. We will defend our votes. We hear Sylva is bringing money to buy us. Where was he in the past three years. We want development and not brigandage.
“Sylva’s past is haunting him. We know all the candidates; Douye Diri, is best for us today. See all the new infrastructure, empowerment, skills acquisition and sports sector that is engaging our young ones.”
Another resident of Yenagoa, Mr. Obinna Izuchukwu, said most non-indigenes who live and do business in the state are speaking well of the present administration in many aspects.
“We are in the streets, we hear what our people are saying. This is Douye Diri’s time. We will support him to complete the good work for continuity and consolidation. He has tried for the people with those roads he is doing to open up many riverine villages”, Mr. Izuchukwu stated.
