It Was Almost Becoming Difficult To Recieve My Certificate Of Return: Gov Diri

  

 Bayelsa State  Douye Diri on Friday disclosed  that it was almost  impossible for him to receive his certificate of return from INEC.

 Diri revealed that the All Progressives Congress brandished 85,000 results from their pockets  arguing that the cerfitcate of return should not be issued to him and his deputy.

 Governor Diri who won the last Saturday State off season Governorship Election with 175,196 votes to defeat his immediate rival Timipre Sylva of All Progressive Congress who got 110,108 votes stated that  his receipt of certificate of return  has brought to rest all the speculations going on all over the country. 

The event  he stated has put to rest the speculation that INEC would not present the certificate to him just as he commended the commission for its professionalism and impartiality during and after the election.

Diri said it was an historic moment for him, his deputy and Bayelsans, who he  appreciated for standing behind him and his running mate, bearing in mind the antics of the opposition that brandished cooked results against their will. 

 

He stated that it was unfortunate hearing the opposition, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, alleging that INEC cancelled 85,000 of the party’s vote as well as manipulation by the commission.

He stressed that his party would wait for them at the tribunal.

He said  "Presenting the certificate of return was almost becoming another issue as some were brandishing results of 85,000 votes in their pockets and saying that the certificate would not be issued to those declared winners in Bayelsa State. So, this event has brought to rest all those speculations that have been all over the country. 

“After thanking God for today’s event, I also thank the Independent National Electoral Commission, from the chairman to the supervising commissioner to the REC and the administrative secretary as well as all the staff. 

“This is one historic moment for me, my deputy governor and the people of Bayelsa State. I appreciate the electorate for standing behind what they believe was a government that has performed and must have another term.”

Presenting the certificate,

 the  INEC National Commissioner for Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, presented the certificate to the duo at 11:11am at the state headquarters of the commission in Yenagoa.

Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu said presenting the Certificate of Return by the commission was a statutory provision in fulfilment of section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which also stated that the presentation must be done within 14 days following the declaration of a winner.

She thanked stakeholders for their commitment and contributions toward the peaceful conduct of the election and equally appreciated staff of the commission who displayed exceptional level of dedication to their job.

On behalf of INEC, she also congratulated the governor and his deputy over their victory at the poll and wished them a successful second tenure in office.