INEC presents David Lyon certificate as Governor-Elect

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to the Bayelsa State Governor-Elect, Chief David Lyon and his Deputy, Sen. Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.

Lyon of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated 44 candidates including the 7 Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Douye Diri, to win a keenly contested election.

The commission also presented a Certificate of Return to a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Brass Constituency 1, Charles Daniel, whose supplementary election was concluded on November 16.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Pastor Monday Udoh, in his welcome address, said the election conducted by INEC was adjudged right in the eyes of the world.

He said the process, which started in May 2019, came with a lot of apprehension following fears of violence hinged on the outcome of previous elections in the state that were marred by violence and killings.

But he noted that through various engagements with stakeholders, civil society groups, alternative dispute mechanism and security agencies, the election was free, fair and credible.

He said despite pockets of skirmishes in some areas, no life was lost in the election.