Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has invited the international community to observe the Nov. 11 governorship election in Bayelsa, to protect the integrity of the process.

Diri made the call while delivering an address at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue Series.

The Theme of the event is: “Breaking new grounds in the democracy development nexus in Africa,” at the Local Content Tower Conference Hall in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.

The governor said the decision to re-elect him or choose a governor for the state should be the people’s prerogative but, however, expressed concern that some of his opponents were resorting to violence, intimidation and brigandage to subvert the will of the people.

“On Nov. 11 this year, Bayelsans will be going to the polls to elect a governor. I hope I have done enough to merit their endorsement for a second term. The decision should be theirs to make.

“Sadly, some of my opponents do not think the people of Bayelsa are entitled to that choice and are resorting to violence, intimidation and brigandage to subvert the will of the people. I am inviting you all back here to be observers of the process.

“The introduction of armed non-state actors in political contests poses a greater threat to our democracy than the military.

“Unless we insist on building strong institutions capable of resisting the antics of strong men, more and more countries will be infected.

“The antidote is the rise of accountable leaders, vibrant civil societies, and engaged citizenry who shaped their own destinies and demand transparency, justice and equal opportunities,” he said.

In his remarks, Chairman and founder of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), former President Goodluck Jonathan, said the GJF Annual Democracy Dialogue is an initiative that brings together stakeholders across Africa to examine issues of democracy and crisis in the continent towards proffering solutions.

According to him, “democracy on the continent has gone through a period of crises that thrive by social tension, coup d’etat, insecurity and poor management of electoral process, which in itself is a threat to our democracy in Africa.

“In recent years, democracy on the continent has caused serious crisis, the challenges of poverty and unemployment has created a crisis of trust in the hearts of of our citizens.

“As leaders, we have the responsibilities to ensure that democracy endures by adhering to the the rules of law, respecting the rights of the people, strengthening public institutions, ensuring that we implement policies that will impact positively on the lives of our people.

“The annual democracy dialogue is an initiative of Goodluck Jonathan Foundation that brings together stakeholders across Africa to critically examine the issue of democracy, interrogate the practice in Africa, and make suggestions where necessary”.

He pointed out that the theme of the dialogue underscored the fact that the people needed to see democracy beyond elections and what happens after by the way of good governance.

Prof. Patrick Lumumba suggested that Africans should look inward to solve their problems, adding that the sit-tight African leaders were responsible for the frequent coups on the continent.

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, noted that the interest of the people should be paramount in whatever system of government that was adopted, whether traditional or democracy.

Also, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, blamed the lack of development in Africa on weak institutions that had failed to hold leaders accountable.

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, called for strengthening of democratic institutions through inclusiveness of women, youths and the vulnerable in the society.

The panel discussants were former President of Sierra Leone, Bai Koroma, former Vice President of the Gambia, Fatuomata Tambajang, Prof Ibaba Samuel Ibaba and Amb. Joe Keshi. (NAN)