Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed his support for Governor Douye Diri's bid to secure a second term in the upcoming Bayelsa State governorship election, set for Saturday.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Jonathan noted the need to enable Diri to complete a second term, citing the state's stability.
Jonathan made these remarks during a visit from members of the Peoples Democratic Party Bayelsa National Governorship Campaign Council, as well as various governors, former party governors, National Assembly members, and other stakeholders who gathered at his Yenagoa residence. This visit coincided with the grand finale of Diri's re-election campaign rally.
The former President expressed his ongoing connection with Governor Diri and his awareness of the state's progress, particularly in the areas of security and infrastructural development.
"I have been in touch with our governor, and I believe he should be encouraged to serve two terms. He has been able to stabilize the state,"
Jonathan stated. "Let us find a standard way of doing things. We cannot afford internal strife; we do not want a crisis. I thank you all for what you are doing. While we compete for leadership, we must prioritize the unity of our nation."
In the meantime, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, along with serving state governors and National Assembly members from the PDP, joined forces on Tuesday to solicit votes for Governor Diri in the upcoming poll. They voiced their support during the grand finale of the PDP's campaign for the governorship election, held at the Ox-Bow Lake Pavilion in Yenagoa, the state capital.
At this event, the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, officially presented the party's flag to Diri as their governorship candidate for the forthcoming election.
PDP leaders commended Diri and his running mate, Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo, for their notable performance and affirm their suitability for a second term while also urging the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies in the same vein to conduct a free, fair and credible election.
