Importance of the polls
This is the dawn of
a new era. The beginning of the rise and rise of the ballot over the
bullet; [and] this is the beginning of a new Nigeria where the power of
the people will speak for the people and our country. And I think that
we are matching on, we are doing very well and we will get there.
Improvements in polls
I believe the
presidential election is better because the electoral materials arrived
early, accreditation was prompt, voting started promptly and the
logistical issues that were there last week during the National
Assembly elections have now been corrected – almost perfected, and I
think that Nigeria is matching on.
Mr Jonathan’s chances
I have no doubt in
my mind that Mr President will win and the reasons are obvious;
Nigerians want a leader that will listen to them. Nigerians want a
leader that is a friend of all and has no enemy. Nigerians want a
leader that will usher in an era of peace, progress and development
and, above all, Nigerians want a man that is God-conscious, God fearing
and love the people that he leads. And I think that this exemplary
quality of total commitment, devotion to the people and to God is the
kind of quality and character that Nigerians want at this point in time
in our Nation’s history.
Bayelsa as a flashpoint
You can hear and
feel even from here, Otueke; if there was a problem in any part of
Bayelsa you would have heard. So, the flashpoint has now shown that it
is ready for democracy. Take note, INEC is ever ready through its laws
that whenever there is a problem, they will deal with the situation
through law. So far, no report of any uproar has happened here or
elsewhere and I believe that this goodwill will permeate and spread
throughout the country.
Controversies over results
Nigerians are wiser
now. We have now taken some bold steps. Look at the Option A4
(modified) that is used in voting; as they finish the voting, the
results will be announced there and the results will be pasted there
and if there are problems, you go to the polling unit where problems
are. At this moment, there is no indication that there will be problems
by people. And it is important that Nigerians unite, stand firm and
insist on democracy, democratization, and good governance and the unity
of this country. And I think President Goodluck Jonathan is insisting
that this is the era where free, fair, credible (and) transparent
elections must prevail. He did not interfere in the electoral process,
he never used inducement to affect whatever is happening (and) he has
insisted that the vote of Nigerians must be respected and I’m glad we
are moving in that direction.
Postponed governorship elections in Bayelsa
That is a judicial
decision; we in the executive will not interfere with that. The
Judiciary has spoken (and) Nigerians must respect the judiciary. If the
law says there should be no gubernatorial elections here, there will be
no gubernatorial elections here next Saturday. But there are other
elections; so, the process of our democratization continues. Nigerians
must remain firm, we must take control of the processes and insist that
the right thing be done.
