Former President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Duoye Diri as the new governor of Bayelsa State.
Jonathan said this in a statement he issued following the Supreme Court ruling that nulified the election of David Lyon on the grounds that his running mate presented false documents to the electoral commission.
There have been violence in parts of Bayelsa State over the apex court verdict. Lyon had defeated Diri in the governorship election held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Jonathan said, “I congratulate His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri who was sworn in today as the 5th Civilian Governor of Bayelsa State, in compliance with the Supreme court verdict of yesterday, 13th February 2020.
“As Governor, the responsibility of building hope and sustaining peace across the State now lies on your shoulders.
“I urge you to always bear in mind that you are the Governor of all Bayelsans and to seize this moment of glory to build bridges of unity by entrenching a culture of love, fairness and justice in our polity.
“Your journey to Creek Haven is a divine one, so I advise you to use the position to do good to humanity and pursue the development of the State in order to write your name in gold.
“You have worked with me before as a commissioner, so I am without doubt that you will live up to the expectations of our people.
:I call on all Bayelsans to be law-abiding, peaceful and embrace this transition in all sincerity, and work together towards a united and prosperous State.
Congratulations Your Excellency.”
