By Stanley Ogriki
Q.E.D. is an acronym for the Latin phrase quod erat demonstrandum, a fancy way to show off that you just logically proved something complex from fundamental principles.
As a science biased student, where Mathematics plays a crucial role, it is essential to follow complex processes from first principles to their logical conclusion carefully. The importance of accuracy cannot be overstated as a single error can undermine all your efforts.
It was not surprising that the recent Bayelsa State gubernatorial election garnered significant attention and reached a dramatic climax, given that it was one of the only three off-cycle elections where the ruling party at the federal level differed from the party in power at the state level. The tension and fear felt by the people of Bayelsa State were entirely understandable, given the stark contrast between the candidates: one embodied integrity and dedication to the people while the other approached the state with a sense of entitlement as if he was owed a term in office.
It was indeed between gangsterism, entitlement and vengeance versus decency and dedication to the people
The challenger approached the election with an air of entitlement whereas the incumbent, despite having the advantage, faced relentless propaganda and the threat of “federal might,” which sought to influence the outcome as was the case in previous elections. The election witnessed unprecedented bias exemplified by the actions of a Commissioner of Police and a so-called special force that was deployed under the pretense of a security threat to protect hooligans mobilized to do the bidding of the challenger. Their real aim was to undermine the sitting governor by targeting and displacing his supporters in Nembe Bassambiri axis of the state.
Despite these provocations, the governor called on all concerned and patriotic Bayelsans to remain calm and steadfast.
As the date of the election approached, the inflammatory rhetoric from the opposition intensified, creating growing apprehension among the electorate, even as they remained resolute. Tear gas was used against women who protested to the state Police Commissioner while a separate group of women protesters, who supported the opposition, were escorted by the same police force to present their own protest letter to the authorities. This disparity led even the most confident political analysts to question the situation.
In response, various sororities from every Local Government Area in Bayelsa State developed strategies to counter both internal and external conspirators and adversaries. Trust among allies became tenuous and vigilance escalated into a constant game of monitoring and spying on each other. Conspiracy theorists seized the opportunity, fabricating scenarios to pit friends and allies against one another.
The opponents’ propaganda machine dominated every channel of communication – radio, bars, and social gatherings in the state capital around the clock. As a result, we had to treat every piece of information with utmost seriousness.
Around the clock, the propaganda machinery of our opponents and their supporters was relentlessly active. Their sensational messages and narratives permeated every corner of the state capital, Yenagoa whether through radio broadcasts, conversations in local bars or social gatherings over pepper soup. This constant bombardment of information created an environment where distinguishing between genuine and false information became increasingly challenging. Consequently, every piece of information, whether it appeared to be credible or dubious, was scrutinized with the utmost seriousness and attention.
The situation became critical, and a few of us, deeply concerned close associates of the governor, felt that the stakes were too high to leave to chance. Therefore, we decided to confront him directly
We were therefore prepared for a confrontation, if need be, because the persistent and overwhelming rumours were dominating and distorting the political landscape of the state. The constant barrage of sensational stories was creating a tense and suffocating environment.
To our surprise, Governor Douye Diri, who remained calm and composed, listened to our concerns without displaying any agitation. Rather than engaging in a heated discussion or revealing his own strategic plans, he advised us to remain strategic and continue our efforts. His response was marked by a sense of poise and restraint.
The governor often regarded as a “bridge builder” and now symbolized as a “Man of Peace” (M.O.P), reinforced his message of peace with his characteristic, infectious laughter. This approach demonstrated his ability to navigate through the political turmoil with grace and composure. His reaction was a testament to his leadership qualities. How many leaders with such immense powers resist the temptation to react aggressively to the provocation from the ‘Big Sea’ in Nembe Bassambiri, as Douye Diri did? Certainly, they are very few.
His decision to refrain from campaigning in Bassambiri proved to be a hallmark of strategic thinking and exemplary leadership. The plan to use the presence of the killing machine stationed in the area as a pretext for massacring innocent people was effectively thwarted.
The elections were ultimately conducted peacefully and were considered credible throughout most of the state. However, in one local government council in which the Deputy Governorship candidate publicly instructed their supporters to chase away anyone opposed their forceful takeover mission into the Atlantic Ocean and kill where necessary the situation was heartbreaking. Sadly, this incitement led to a horrifying incident where an innocent man was truly pursued to the creeks and brutally stoned to death with blocks by these monstrous characters.
After being decisively rejected by Bayelsans in the polls, they resorted to their usual tactic of blackmail against the electoral umpire and the military. I would like to take this opportunity to commend both institutions for their exemplary professionalism and conduct throughout the process.
They eventually presented their fabricated results which had been rejected by the electoral umpire for non-compliance, to the courts, requesting to be declared winners. From the originating court to the appellate court, their claims were thoroughly dismantled and legally nullified, yet they persisted without relent.
Then on the 23rd of August 2024 the highest court in the land, Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed their rejection in the 11th of November 2024 polls by the people of Bayelsa State through a unanimous judgment.
What a masterstroke by a strategic genius to free Bayelsans from the grasp of a desperately self-serving political group.
Indeed, it was a quod erat demonstrandum.
This is exactly what Distinguished Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State has exemplified.
*Ogriki, a public affairs analyst writes from Yenagoa.
