Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, has expressed his support for electronic voting as a solution to Nigeria’s electoral challenges, Njenje Media News reports.
At a grand reception held in his honour in Sampou Community in Kolokuma Local Government Area, the governor noted that though electronic voting might not solve all of the nation’s electoral problems, it would significantly reduce the challenges.
Diri, in his submission, said the 2019 governorship election in the state was marred by electoral malpractices.
In his words;
“Part of what would solve the problem of this country is electronic voting. I recommend e-voting, e-register and electronic elections in Nigeria. It might not solve all our electoral problems but it would go far in resolving most of our electoral conflicts.
“My leaders, my elders, my brothers and sisters, I appreciate you for the love and honour you have showed me. The colourful reception you have organised in my honour, I say thank you. I bring a message of love and hope.
“Yes, our takeoff as a government was very turbulent. But we have flown above the turbulent weather. Now we are stabilising and the testimony is all across the state. I only ask for your support.”
Njenje Media News recalls that Governor Diri came second in the gubernatorial election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commision behind the All Progressives Congress candidate, David Lyon who was declared the winner of the ballot votes cast. But the Supreme Court led by Justice Mary Odili nullified the election of David Lyon on the account of having a running mate who has disparities in his documents. The runner-up in the polls, Douye Diri was then announced the duly elected governor of Bayelsa State.
