Dickson Appoints New Acting Chairman For State Election Commission

The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has appointed Remember Ogbe as acting Chairman of the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC).

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei quoted the governor to have spoken during the swearing-in ceremony of two members of the State Independent Electoral Commission in Yenagoa.

The new members are Charles Emmanuel, a former member of the State House of Assembly representing Brass Constituency One and Perebigha Ajoko.

Dickson urged members of the commission to conduct free, fair and peaceful local government poll that would be acceptable to all.

Dickson also urged political parties and their candidates to abide by the outcome of the election.

He expressed confidence in the capability of the new members of the Commission to effectively oversee the affairs of the commission given their track record in their previous assignments.

The governor said:“I urge you to do what is right and fair and carry out your duties in a manner that would engender trust and confidence. You should be prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

“I have listened to some of the concerns expressed on the position of the Chairman designate. That is why he is not taking his office.

“I call on the commission to carry out their duties in a way that would engender confidence. Let the elections be free and fair, and let the wishes of Bayelsans be respect. We are giving you free hand and every party should abide by the outcome of the elections”

Dickson said the local government election scheduled to hold in September this year should be conducted in a manner that would reflect the wishes of the electorate.

He noted that Ogbe was appointed acting chairman of the Commission pending a decision on the issue of the nomination of the chairman designate of the BYSIEC.

He added that: “I congratulate the two members of the commission who have been sworn in today. You are appointed to fill in vacancies that emanated from the resignation of some members. You are selected because of your capacity and experience.