Bayelsa election peaceful, says VP - Optimistic that PDP will win again

25.05.2008

Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan (GCON), casting his vote at
Ward 13, Otazi playground unit, Otuoke.
Photo: State House.THE Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has described the gubernatorial rerun election in Bayelsa State as peaceful, expressing optimism that the PDP will win again in the state.

He made these remarks while addressing journalists shortly after casting his vote today in Ward 13, Otazi Playground Unit, in his hometown, Otuoke, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to the Vice President, “We came into Bayelsa State yesterday and I’ve been asking questions and getting situation reports on several parts of the state. The security aspect of the state is okay. The Deputy Inspector General here can attest to that. The process has been very peaceful. I’m quite sure the election will be done peacefully and successfully, and Nigerians will be happy that we can conduct an acceptable election in this country”.

While expressing optimism that the PDP will win again in the state, Dr. Jonathan seized the occasion to relay the message of peace to all Bayelsans. “Peace. That is what we want. A peaceful election, so that we can vote somebody that is acceptable to the people; somebody that can drive the process”, he stated.

Contributing, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Mr. Adebayo Adeoye, also expressed satisfaction at the peaceful conduct of the election. “My men are on ground all over the state and from information reaching me, the exercise is progressing smoothly in all parts of the state”, he stated.

Earlier on arrival, Dr. Jonathan paid a brief courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Otuoke, HRH Nicholas Digha (JP), Oke IX, the Obanema Otuoke, afterwhich he took a walk, accompanied by his aides, to inspect his countryhome, attacked last year by militants.

He, thereafter, proceeded to the polling unit where the presiding officer, Mr. Okorie Ogbonaya, presented him with a ballot paper to cast his vote at about 10:45 am.