Low turnout as Jonathan describes Bayelsa governorship election as peaceful

The governorship election in Bayelsa State has recorded a low turnout so far.
The President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who voted at 12.50pm, described the election as calm.
But he also acknowledged the low turnout of voters.

Jonathan voted alongside his wife, Patience, and mother, Eunice.
He said after voting: “The exercise has been very calm and in the whole state I have not heard of any ugly incident.
“Everywhere is calm and I am quite pleased.
“I am very hopeful that the votes of the citizens will count and clearly manifest in this election.”
On the low turnout of voters, Jonathan said: “The behaviour of voters vary from one election to another.
“For the presidential election, most Nigerians in diaspora came home because they were quite interested in the presidential election and they all voted.
“In most cases, lower elections don’t attract that kind of interest, probably that may be the reason.
“Also, you know that in Bayelsa State, there has been some kind of challenges as to who is the candidate and who is not a candidate.
“And up to yesterday, Bayelsans were confused as to whether the election will go on or not and this affected the turnout of voters.”
Jonathan said he remains optimistic that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, would emerge victorious.
He said: “I am a PDP senior member and I am very hopeful that PDP will win this election.
“We will expect the best from the governor and his cabinet.”
One of those who responded to the earlier story of The Eagle Online on the election in Bayelsa State, Tefzy Ennizz, also said the election has been peaceful.
Ennizz said the people were enthusiastic about the election.
He, however, said he was not going to vote, insinuating this was because of the poor performance of former governors of the state.
Ennizz wrote in his comment: “It’s very peaceful where I am.
“The people are very enthusiastic.
“Hope the next occupant of Creek Haven (the Bayelsa state Government House) won’t disappoint them.
“Because me, I no dey vote for anybody.”