The governor made this plea during the swearing-in ceremony of the chairman and members of the commission in Yenagoa on Wednesday. Emphasising the importance of democratic processes, Governor Diri highlighted that council leadership should be determined by the will of the people.
He urged the commission to carry out its responsibilities in a manner that sets a benchmark for the rest of the country.
In addition to the BYSIEC, Governor Diri also inaugurated the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission. Addressing the newly-inaugurated civil service commission, the governor stressed the need for efficient service delivery.
He called upon the commission to strengthen the system and enhance productivity, recognising the crucial role of active civil service in the effective functioning of any government.
In response to the governor's expectations, Peter Singabele, the chair of BYSIEC, expressed his team's commitment to organising council elections that are fair and credible.
Singabele affirmed that as an impartial body, the commission has no place for unfair practices. He reiterated their responsibility as an umpire to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
With these developments, Governor Diri sets the stage for a transparent and democratic governance structure at the local level in Bayelsa State. The call for fair and credible elections demonstrates the commitment of the government to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the representation of the people's will. The BYSIEC's assurance of a transparent process further reinforces the importance of unbiased and inclusive elections as the cornerstone of a democratic society.