Bayelsa State Governor-elect, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday said his emergence at the polls was an indication that, there is hope for democracy in Nigeria.
Dickson made the remark at the presentation of certificate of return to him and his Deputy Governor elect, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) at the State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Yenagoa.
According to the Governor-elect, Nigeria cannot be a one party state, if the concept of one man, one vote is allowed to flourish, as it will go a long way in strengthening democratic principles.
Dedicating his victory at the just concluded Governorship election to God, Governor Dickson described his renewed mandate as a divine act to serve Bayelsans for another 4-year term.
The Governor, who noted that, he has always put his trust in God, reminded the people that power neither comes from the North, South, East or West, but only from God, also dedicated his victory to the people of the state, stressing that, Bayelsans did not let him down.
Expressing appreciation to the people of the State for defying all odds to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the face of intimidation, he particularly commended the women and youths for their resilience in exercising their franchise.
His words: “I want to commend you all for your resilience, my good people of Bayelsa. By what you have done, you have saved democracy in Nigeria, you have shown that Nigeria cannot be a one prty state. I cannot thank you enough. I want to also commend the INEC staff and security agencies that went into the nooks and crannies of our state to carry out their national assignment.”
Also speaking, the National Commissioner, South-South, Dr. Mustapha Lekki, stated that the ceremony was in fulfillment of section 68 and 75 of the country’s Electoral Act, which mandates INEC to present a certificate of return to whoever is declared as winner of any election conducted by the commission within 7 days of such declaration.
He acknowledged the contributions of INEC staff and all, who played key roles in ensuring success in the Bayelsa Governorship poll and assured Nigerians of the commission’s commitment to improving on the performance of its functions.
Earlier in his address, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, had congratulated the Governor-elect on his re-election and wished him well as he pilots the affairs of the state for a second term.
He lamented the dwindling revenues accruing to the state and urged the people to give the Governor and his team all the needed support to move the state forward.
