Otti congratulates Uzodinma, Diri on their re-election
…Hails Imo, Bayelsa LP candidates
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has congratulated his Imo and Bayelsa States counterparts, Governors Hope Uzodinma Douye Diri, respectively, on their re-election for a second term in office.
Otti also commended the Labour Party candidates for Bayelsa and Imo States in the said election, Mr Udengs Eradiri and Senator Athan Achonu, for participating in the elections. Otti described Achonu’s showing as “decent performance and show of bravery.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday announced Uzodinma, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the off cycle Imo governorship election held on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
Returning Officer for the election, Prof Abayomi Fasina, pronounced Governor Uzodinma winner with a total of 540,308 votes, defeating the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, who came second with 71,503 votes.
Governor Otti expressed gladness that the Imo governorship election was conducted in an atmosphere of peace, despite the initial uncertainties that dogged the electoral process.
The Abia State Governor also congratulated the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Senator Athan Achonu, who polled 64,081 votes to come third in the election, for his decent performance and show of bravery.
Governor Otti called on Uzodimma to be magnanimous in victory and continue to work towards restoring lasting peace in Imo as he starts his second term in office.
“As neighbours and brother states, Governor Otti promised to work harmoniously with Governor Uzodinma for the peace and economic development of the South East,” a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti, read in part.
Similarly, Governor Otti has felicitated Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on his hard won victory for a second term in office.
Governor Diri, on Monday, was declared winner of the Saturday, November 11, 2023 gubernatorial election by the INEC, after he polled a total of 175,196 votes to defeat his closest rival, Timipre Sylva, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 110,108 votes.
Governor Otti, while congratulating Diri, described the election as a hard fought contest and a vote of confidence on Governor Diri by the people, having already served them for four years.
He said he was happy that Governor Diri had already extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents in his victory speech, and urged him to maintain that meek and humble spirit that has continued to endear him to Bayelsans.
Governor Otti also congratulated the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Udengs Eradiri for his courage and for participating in the off-cycle poll.
He urged Eradiri not to be disappointed, but to remain steadfast and build on the experiences gathered from the electioneering campaigns and the polls.
“The Abia Governor wished the re-elected Bayelsa Governor resounding success as he starts his second term in office,” Uko stated.
