By Emma Amaize & By George Onah

WARRI – THERE was panic, Monday night, in some riverine communities in Delta State, as militants, under the aegis of the Niger Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, fired gun shots at irregular intervals and exploded bombs for over three hours in celeberation of the declation of President Goodluck Jonathan as winner of Saturday’s presidential election.

The explosions, which came from the direction of the militant camp of NDLF leader in Delta State, ‘General’ John Togo, raised  concerns, as villagers thought the militant group had resumed attacks on government forces.

But NDLF spokesman, ‘Captain’ Mark Anthony, doused the fear, yesterday, saying the gunshots and bomb explosions were in celebration of the victory of President Jonathan at the poll.

He said “as soon as  the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,  chairman declared our brother,  Goodluck Jonathan, winner in the keenly contested  2011 presidential election, NDLF expressed its joy by ordering non-stop sporadic shooting into the air for over three hours with our heavy military wares,  including bombs explosion.

“Rumours were that the neighboring communities were scared and packed over alleged NDLF readiness to resume hostility by attacking soldiers. We want to call on the communities and soldiers near our barracks to remain calm, as  last night’s (Monday night)  shooting was nothing, other than mere expression of NDLF jubilation over Jonathan’s victory , which is NDLF’s victory,” he added.

….P-Harcourt residents in frenzy of celebrations

Port Harcourt- The result of the presidential election, which gave victory to President Goodluck Jonathan, Monday evening, sent Port Harcourt residents into  celebration,  as most of them stormed beer parlours, drinking joints and drank beer till the early hours of yesterday.

The communities largely caught in the  celebration were, Diobu Miles 1, 2 and 3, Ogbunabali, Elekahia, Rumumasi, Liberation Stadium Road and the city centre. Although there was power failure at most of the drinking joints, generating sets roared till dawn.

Ironically, some of the fun seekers, included northern youths, popularly referred to as aboki, while some others sold suya (roast meat) and danced along as music blared from giant speakers at the bubbling drinking joints.

Speaking to Vanguard, yesterday, Zonal coordinator of South South Neighbour-to- Neighbour, Ebikeme Bosin, said the group had been vindicated in its campaign for the emergence of the Jonathan/Sambo ticket.

Bosin said the riot in the North over the result of the election was “unnecessary.” He explained that Nigeria belonged to all Nigerians.