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Bayelsa Poll: Dickson Retains Seat …Wike Congratulates Gov …PDP, Others React
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike (right), in a handshake with the Chairman, Nigeria Legion, Rivers State, Col. Wilberforce Josiah (2nd left), at the Inter-denominational Service to mark the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, yesterday.
Governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party has been declared winner of the controversial Bayelsa State governorship election.
Dickson was declared winner of the election after he polled 134,998 votes, 48,146 votes more than his closest rival, former Governor, Timipre Sylva of the All Progessives Congress.
The Returning Officer of the election, Zana Akpagbu, returned Dickson as winner of the election, saying he had satisfied all requirements.
He said that, “Dickson Henry Seriake of PDP having satisfied the requirement of the law and secured the highest number of votes is hereby declared winner of the election.”
In all, there were 225,527 valid votes; 6, 647 rejected votes, while the total votes cast were 232,167.
Dickson, who secured the most votes in the December 5, election had also led Sylva in the supplementary election.
Dickson, who secured the most votes in the December 5, election, polling 105,748 votes, compared with the APC candidate’s 72,594 voted, also led in the supplementary election.
In the rerun, which took place in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and 102 polling units across six other local government areas of the state, Dickson got 29,574 votes, while Slyva polled 14,258 votes.
The supplementary election had become necessary following the cancellation of the election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state as a result of widespread violence.
The violence had prevented voting from taking place in the LGA along with others on December 5 and a rescheduled poll held in council the next day was cancelled on December 7 due to irregularities and violence.
More than a month later, violence threatened the rerun despite assurances by security agencies that adequate preparations have been made to make it hitch-free.
Ahead of the rerun, in the early hours of Thursday, there was a bomb attack on the house of the Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Konbowei Benson, in Korokorosie, Southern Ijaw LGA.
Although voting commenced peacefully in several polling units on Saturday, as of midday, there had been several reported incidents of violence with electoral materials yet to arrive at some polling units.
Our correspondent reported that there was difficulty in conveying electoral materials from Amatoru Community School to polling units because of heavy shooting in the area.
He also reported that there was sporadic shooting in Amatolo, a riverine community in Southern Ijaw LGA, a development that prevented INEC officials from getting materials to the area.
In Agoibiri, two people were reportedly hit by stray bullets while angry youths destroyed electoral materials at some units.
Around 9:30am the Situation Room, a coalition of civil society groups, reported that voting was disrupted by violence in Otuokpoti Ward, Ogbia.
The Peoples Democratic Party also accused thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress of disrupting election in three polling units – 6,7 and 10 – in Biseni.
The substantive election in the state was held on December 5, 2015 but INEC declared the election inconclusive after it cancelled the poll in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area following reports of widespread electoral malpractices and violence.
INEC subsequently fixed January 9, 2016 for supplementary elections in the affected local government and 101 other polling units in 7 local government areas where elections did not hold on December 5.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that the re-election of the Bayelsa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Seriake Dickson is a victory for democracy in the face of unrelenting external forces. In a congratulatory message to the Bayelsa State Governor, following his re-election at the conclusion of the supplementary governorship election, Governor Wike said that the will of the people of Bayelsa State has prevailed as they have resolved to remain with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
A statement issued by the Governor’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, pointed out that the people of Bayelsa State exhibited the true Niger Delta spirit which abhors oppression and injustice. He said that with the re-election of Governor Seriake Dickson, a clear message has been sent to the dark forces of rigging and electoral manipulation that they will never find accommodation in this geo-political zone.
Governor Wike specifically commended the good people of Bayelsa State for being vigilant all through the governorship election process, saying that their hard work and dedication to the enthronement of democracy have been rewarded by the re-election of a true Niger Delta patriot.
The governor stated that the people of the Niger Delta remain dedicated members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, because that is the only political platform that gives Niger Delta issues the priority they deserve, while the others are only interested in the pecuniary benefits which flow from the area.
While rejoicing with Governor Dickson, the Rivers State Governor expressed confidence in the ability of the Bayelsa State Governor to consolidate on the democracy dividends which he availed the Bayelsa people during his first term.
In the same vain, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the people of Bayelsa State for their support for its candidate, Governor Seriake Dickson, which led to his victory at the just-concluded governorship election in the state.
It however expressed sadness over number of those who lost their lives during the election.
“It’s painful that this victory has come with so much pain because we lost dear ones. Those who died are our brothers. So many are yet in the hospitals nursing life threatening injuries because our opponents wanted to win at all cost. We wish to express our deepest condolences once again and to assure them that their death will not be in vain”, it stated.
The party stated this through the Director of Publicity, Restoration Campaign Organisation, Jonathan Obuebite, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the incumbent governor winner.
He thanked the people for renewing Dickson’s mandate for another four-years, attributing it to the “resilience and uncommon courage” of the people.
Obuebite who noted that the victory was important because it came the way of the PDP even in the face of intimidation, tyranny, threats and violent attacks, added that “despite the challenges, democracy won.”
He said, “We want to use this opportunity to sincerely thank all Bayelsans for their doggedness and patriotism because even in the face of such terrible intimidation and violence decided, out of their own volition, they came out to re-elect and return the Countryman Governor to office for the next four years. We are grateful for your remarkable decision as expected in a democracy.
“The people have spoken and we are indeed grateful. It’s your victory, you the good people of Bayelsa State. Without doubt, a new dawn is here. Bayelsans, through their uncommon courage have defeated tyranny and oppression by voting for the continuation of the restoration of our dignity and pride as amply demonstrated through their votes.”
Similarly the Peoples Democratic Governors Forum has hailed the people of Bayelsa for standing firm against brute force and terror unleashed on them in the concluded supplementary election in Southern Ijaw and 102 polling units on Saturday by the APC-led regime.
In a statement signed by Earl Onaiwu, coordinator of the forum, after Governor Seriake Dickson was announced winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission late Sunday night, the governors said that but for the resilience and determination of the people, the APC was inordinately out to capture the state as if it was a trophy of war.
“The PDP Governors Forum wishes to commend the good and great people of Bayelsa State for standing resolute, firm and immoveable against the desperate attempt by the APC-led regime to hijack the mandate of the people of Bayelsa state.
“It is unfortunate that a party that came into office through a free and fair process offered by an incumbent have neglected to imbibe democratic tenets by engaging in thuggery and outright violence as if the state is a trophy of war.
“The Bayelsa election is a wakeup call to all Nigerians to reject any extra constitutional means by which the APC intends to cling to power.
“We call on our members in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Edo states to brace up in the coming days and show that the PDP is indeed the custodian of democracy as it has done for the past 16 years.
In another development, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekit State has hailed the re-election of the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, describing it as a demonstration of the resolve of Bayelsa people to choose their own governor and resist imposition of a governor on them by the powers that be in Abuja.
The governor, who described the people of Bayelsa as “worthy heroes of democracy that stood their ground against agents of darkness that were prepared to short-change them by imposing a governor they do not want on them,” said Governor Dickson’s victory was another vindication of his prediction on 20 things to expect this year.
Governor Fayose said in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka that it was shameful that several people were killed in an election in Bayelsa State with eight Local Government areas in which more than 20,000 security personnel, including soldiers were deployed.
“If the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could not conduct a free and fair election in just eight Local Governments in one month, one wonders how long it will take INEC to conduct the president election that will be held in 774 Local Governments in 2019,” the governor said.
He lamented that the legacy of free, fair and credible elections bequeathed on Nigeria by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of Dr Goodluck Jonathan was already being destroyed by the President Muhammadu Buhari led All Progressives Congress (APC) government owing to the APC’s desperation to take over all States in the country by crude means.
“The people of Bayelsa have shown that their power is more than that of the Abuja political oppressors. They have shown that tyranny can be defeated through the collective will of the people.
“I congratulate Governor Dickson for this sweet victory. I salute Bayelsa people for standing firm against terror. I sympathise with families of those that were murdered and I urge Nigerians to take note of the systematic destruction of democracy by the APC government in Abuja,” he said.
Also, Senator Ben Bruce representing Bayelsa East constituency, in Bayelsa State, has congratulated Governor Seriake Dickson over his re-election as the state governor.
Dickson, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner of the poll by the INEC REC, after polling 134,998 votes, beating his main challenger, Timipreye Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 86,852 votes.
In his congratulatory message on Twitter, Bruce said: “Congratulations @iamHSDickson. Those who got there through free and fair elections could not use #DoOrDieElections to remove you!”
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.