Amid complaints of irregularities and state-wide voters’ apathy, a coalition of 91 political parties under the aegis of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has commended the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) for successfully conducting last Saturday’s local council election.
Other aggrieved groups faulted IPAC’s position, alleging that it was playing the script of the beneficiary Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for pecuniary benefits.
A statement issued by IPAC Chairman in Bayelsa State, Eneyi Zidougha, on behalf of its national President, described the election as peaceful, hitch-free and credible.
The statement said that the election which from available reports was devoid of any kind of violence across the eight local government areas should be a reference point for the conduct of elections in the country.
The council passed a vote of confidence on BYSIEC, under the chairmanship of Hon. Remember Ogbe, saying despite the short time at his disposal, he was able to work with his team of Commissioners to conduct the most peaceful local council elections so far in the state.
IPAC also lauded Governor Henry Seriake Dickson and the good people of Bayelsa for creating the right environment for an all inclusive participation of political parties, which they say has affirmed once again his disposition and willingness for a robust inter-party friendly environment and relationship.
The state reads: “We also commend the political parties and their candidate and the state political desk for creating an enabling environment during and after the conduct of the election.
“IPAC Bayelsa State look forward for a more beneficial result oriented, and a mutual interparty inclusive relationship with the Restoration Government of Bayelsa State in the forthcoming governorship election.
“We congratulate all those who emerge winners during the polls and urge them to use this opportunity to bring meaningful development to the people at the grassroots and also urge the elected chairmen to carry along those who lost during the election irrespective of the party differences. For those who lost the election, we encourage them to accept defeat and work with the victors to move the state forward.”