The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificate of Return to Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who was declared winner after the supplementary January 9 governorship election.
National Commissioner representing South- South, Mr. Mustapha Leki presented the certificate to him at the INEC headquarters in Yenagoa.
Dickson, shortly after receiving the certification broke into three short praise songs to the admiration of PDP stalwarts including his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah(retd).
According to him, INEC officials, security agencies and all stakeholders should be commended because victory did not come easy. He dedicated his victory to God and Bayelsans, noting that with them, his victory at the poll could not have been achieved.
“I am delighted to be elected your governor once again. We give God the glory for the victory. If God was not with us, you can imagine what would have happened. We dedicate this certificate of return to God.
“This is once again, evidence that power only comes from God.
“Some people trusted in their chariots and horses, but we trusted in God. “After God, this victory is dedicated to the good people of Bayelsa, who defied intimidation, harassment and violence that was unleashed on them to return us.”
He explained that by voting for PDP, what they ( Bayelsans) did has saved democracy in Nigeria, noting that their overwhelming support made a statement that Nigeria cannot afford to be a one party state.
Dickson expressed optimism that the concept of one man, one vote, would flourish in Nigeria and Bayelsa State.
Leki, in his remarks, stated that the Certificate of Return was presented to them following their victories at the poll.
According to him, the presentation was carried out in conformity with Section 68 (1) and Section 75 (1) of the Electoral Act.
“Section 68 (1) and 75 (1) of the Electoral Act says that the declaration by the Returning Officer is final and only subject to review by election tribunal. I am hereby presenting this certificate of return to the winners of the governorship poll, Governor Seriake Dickson and his deputy, John Jonah.”
Leki reiterated the importance of card reader in the advancement of elections in the country, saying that the technology was one of the greatest innovations in the nation’s electoral process.
“Card reader technology has therefore come to stay. There may be some challenges with the technology but the commission will continue to improve on it,” he stated.
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