According to Diri, the opposition cannot use police report to win election as their sinister manipulations were being closely watched.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the state has been won and lost and cannot be changed through subterranean moves of his main rival in the poll.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Diri winner of the election and presented certificates of return to him and the deputy governor-elect, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on November 17, 2023.
The Bayelsa governor stated this on Monday during the first memorial anniversary service for his late father, Pa Abraham Diri, at the St Peter’s Anglican Church, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Senator Diri said the subpeona to the police to testify as witness at the election petition tribunal by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Timipre Sylva, was diversionary, a waste of time and an exercise in futility.
He said the acceptable standard was the election result declared by INEC and not that of the police.
According to Diri, the opposition cannot use police report to win election as their sinister manipulations were being closely watched.
While thanking Bayelsans for their support, he assured that he and his deputy would be sworn in for a second term on February 14 and that their next tenure will be better than the first.
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He said: “They are bringing a police report. They are bringing a police commissioner to come and testify in the election tribunal. We have crossed that bridge long ago. Just as we stopped them from rigging, we will stop them again.
“If you want to subpoena anybody, let it be INEC, which conducted the election and declared the results. The police are in charge of security.
“Let us be steadfast. Our second tenure will be better than the first.”
The governor eulogised his father for laying a solid foundation for him and his siblings.
According to him, his father was being celebrated a year after his death because he left good legacies that are speaking through him and his siblings.
The Bayelsa helmsman also advised parents to give the best education and moral upbringing to their children to make them responsible members of society.
He equally urged political office holders and other privileged individuals to create positive impact on the society as they will only be remembered through their legacy.
He said: “His impact upon our lives, his children and relatives, is unspeakable. That is why I believe in giving the best education to children. So that whether you are alive or not, they can stand anywhere. I urge fellow Bayelsans to give their children good education.
“What we are doing today is to appreciate God and celebrate the life of our father for what he has done in our lives. Our father guided us very well. All his life was how to discipline and give what he had to society.
“Those of us in leadership as president, governors, speakers and other positions, let us know that there is a legacy we should leave, which will speak for us when we leave this world.”
Speaking on the topic: “What will you be remembered for?” Rev. Funkuro Amgbare, Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Izon of the Anglican Communion, noted that Pa Diri was being remembered a year after his death because he impacted positively on his children and the society.
He admonished all to live a life worth remembering by maintaining their integrity.
In attendance were the state deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, member representing Sagbama/ Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Fred Agbedi, his counterparts – Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency), Mitema Obordor (Ogbia Federal Constituency), Oforji Oboku (Kolokuma/Opokuma/Yenagoa Federal Constituency) and Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency)
Others were the Deputy Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Michael Ogbere, former deputy governor and chairman of Bayelsa State Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and chairman of Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, other traditional rulers as well as wife of the first civilian governor of the state, Margaret Alamieyeseigha, and the clergy among other dignitaries.