26th April, 2011
Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, has described the April 2011 general elections as a watershed in the history of the country. Sylva said this in his home town, Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State while speaking with newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 4, Ward 4 at exactly 12.38 p.m. on Tuesday in the State House of Assembly election.
The governor said the country has reached a turning point as it was finally conducting free, fair and credible elections certified to be in line with international standards. He stated that he was highly impressed with the way the people have conducted themselves throughout the elections.
Considering the free and fair nature of the elections, Sylva advised any candidate who loses to accept defeat in good faith and equally urged those who will win to be magnanimous in victory.
On the general performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security operatives in the elections, the governor said except for a few hiccups here and there, INEC has done well. Similarly, Sylva lauded the security operatives for the way they maintained law and order, pointing out that without their efforts, the polls wouldn’t have been free, fair and peaceful.
When asked if the skirmishes in some parts of the country could in some way impact on the credibility of the elections, Sylva explained that it was most unfortunate that some people died but that the deaths and disturbances were not enough to affect the credibility of the elections.
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt