Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and his Delta State counterpart, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, have both renewed support for the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the Nigerian electoral process.
The two governors spoke in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Wednesday during the South- South Monarchs Forum Extraordinary General Assembly with the theme: “Entrenching Grassroots Security and Peace in the South-South Region during and after 2023 General Election.”
They also seized the occasion to advocate for outlined constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the country.
Diri in his remarks while stressing the importance of BVAS in reducing electoral fraud commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his insistence on free and fair elections.
He however said the country is relying on him to match words with action and deliver a credible 2023 general election.
Diri implored the political class to allow the electorate make their choices without molestation while warning politicians against the use of youths for violence.
“Let me take the liberty of this event to remind us of what we have to advocate for. In the forthcoming elections, we must do our best to prevent our youths from being used as tools of violence by selfish politicians.
“I also endorse the introduction of BVAS as I believe it will reduce electoral fraud. We rely on Mr. President to match words with action and make the 2023 elections transparent.”
Also speaking Okowa who is the PDP Vice- Presidential candidate said it is crucial for all stakeholders to find ways to ensure peaceful elections.
He expressed gratitude to President Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all stakeholders playing various roles to ensure that Nigeria has a credible election, pointing out that with more efforts in that direction, there is hope for the country.
Okowa also hailed the introduction of BVAS and wondered why some persons and political parties were against a technology that will promote credible elections and improve the image of Nigeria even in the international community.
The Chairman, South- South Monarchs Forum and Amanyanabo of Nembe, Dr Edmund Daukoru, said the aim of the organizers of the meeting is to achieve peaceful elections in the country.
He described Governor Diri as a man of peace and called on the government, and the people to take matters of security more seriously before, during and after elections.
Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom
King Bubaraye Dakolo called for better action from relevant authorities to check electoral violence.
He lamented that the South- South people cannot provide the resources for the country and suffered electoral violence due to the incompetence of relevant authorities.
