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By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
High Chief Seiyefa Koroye of Toru-Orua has been elected the new Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom in Bayelsa State.
The new Pere was elected on the second ballot, at Ebedbiri Secondary School on Saturday, July 29, 2023.
The Electoral Committee chairman, High Chief Ayakeme Whiskey, while declaring the results of the election said total accredited delegates were 94, drawn from 13 communities of Tarakiri Clan, adding that the winner must secure 50% of total votes cast in line with sub-section 4 of the electoral guidelines.
He said that High Chief Seiyefa Koroye scored 45 votes, His Royal Highness Famous Eseduwo, the Amananaowei of Angalabiri scored 28 votes, High Chief Keme Prefa polled 20 votes, while the regeant, High chief Fidelis Agbiki abstained from voting.
According to the Electoral Committee chairman, the results did not produce a clear winner as none of the candidates secured 50%. As a result, the election went into second ballot between the two candidates with the highest votes, while High Chief Keme Prefa was eliminated.
At the end of the second ballot, High Chief Seiyefa Koroye scored 63 votes to defeat His Royal Highness Famous Eseduwo who polled 29 votes.
The Electoral Committee, led by its chairman, High Chief Ayakeme Whiskey immediately presented the certificate of return to High Chief Seiyefa Koroye as the duly elected Pere of Tarakiri Clan.
Speaking to Journalists shortly after the declaration of the results, High Chief Ayakeme Whiskey described the process of the election as very transparent, orderly and commended the delegates for their peaceful conduct during and after the election, noting that if elections are conducted the way it went, losers will have no cause to complain.
Also speaking, the deputy Speaker Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Ogbere described the election as a friendly contest between two brothers while adding that it was a peaceful and credible process.
He encouraged the Tarakiri people to embrace peace and urged the Pere-elect to provide fair leadership, and carry every body along in the scheme of things.
The deputy Speaker thanked the delegates for their show of maturity and the orderly manner they conducted themselves while the election lasted.
When asked if politicians will imbibe the smooth process of the Pere of Tarakiri election, Hon. Ogbere said politicians have no problem abiding by good conduct, but added that the problem is INEC, as he urged the national electoral umpire to conduct transparent elections in the country devoid of glitches.
Winner of the election, High Chief Seiyefa Koroye, while speaking with newsmen at his country home in Toru-Orua, attributed his success story to sacrifice, hard work and service to humanity which he said has given him recognition, as expressed by the people at the election.
He promised to unite the Tarakiri Clan and consult widely, collaborate with critical stakeholders, government and development partners to move the communities forward.
