The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) is maintaining a comfortable lead in
the just-concluded supplementary election in the Southern Ijaw LGA and 101
units in Bayelsa state, despite the low turnout of voters recorded in some
communities.

The collated results from various polling units and wards across the state
made available to journalists showed that the PDP is widening its existing
lead of over 33,000 votes.

Despite the reported hitches, the PDP swept the polls in units and wards
in Amassoma, Otuan, Ogbia, Nembe Ogbolomabiri, Ekpetiama and some other
communities as made available by the INEC officials at the various polling
units.

The PDP, as at the time of filing this report polled 7,234 votes while APC
is having 1,948 votes.

Decentralization of election materials policy adopted by the Independent
National Election Commission, (INEC) assisted in the early arrival of
materials in some communities, even though there were reported cases of
hijacking of election materials and violence in some areas.

Voters, as reliably informed, were resolute in their determination to put
the governorship election behind them which was declared inconclusive by
INEC on December, 5 and 6, 2015.

To ensure the success of the poll, the Nigeria Police Force deployed 5,000
officers to the various polling units across the state.

Political thugs suspected to be working for the leading opposition party
were not deterred by the presence of the security operatives, as they
unleashed terror on Ekeremor, Famgbe and Nembe communities.

The election could not hold in Ekeremor town, as over five people
including two policemen were reportedly killed and several injured
likewise in Nembe and Famgbe communities.

In Nembe community, members of the PDP were attacked by the suspected
thugs working for the APC and aided by security personnel. As at the time
of filing this report, the injured PDP members are receiving treatment at
an undisclosed hospital.

Also, the election materials meant for Lobia, 1, 2, 3 and Peremabiri were
hijacked by militants wielding AK 47 and other dangerous weapons.

Also, a building belonging to a PDP chieftain, Chief James Jephtah, a.k.a.
Octopus was touched by the APC thugs, while some people have fled the
community.

On Friday, the Governor’s lodge in Ekeremor was vandalized, while the
former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Boyelayefa
Debekeme and three other PDP chieftains were attacked with machetes by
thugs working for the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken
lokpobiri.

Also, the immediate younger brother of the state Deputy Governor,
Beinmopre Jonah was attacked at his residence in Ekeki, yenagoa local
government,

This development has led to the cancellation calls by the Peoples
Democratic Party in Nembe and some communities in southern Ijaw local
government.

eyaaa sorry for Sylva

The power of the people