Politicians contesting in the Bayelsa State governorship election on November 11 have been warned by the Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, Worldwide, that the group will not tolerate any kind of bloodshed before, during, or after the election.
Following its executive council meeting over the weekend, it urged political players and gladiators to avoid any behaviour that can inflame tension in Bayelsa during the upcoming election, according to a communique from the council that was released after the meeting and was signed by factional president Dr. Alayi Theophilus.
He urged politicians to avoid inciting hatred and concentrate on persuading voters to support their platforms.
The IYC said: “It is our firm belief that the lives and safety of Ijaw citizens should always supersede political considerations and electoral processes. We shall hold politicians responsible if any Ijaw life is lost during and after the election.
“The IYC shall not fold her arms to see that the existing peace we enjoy in the state is damaged. We advise all politicians to shun hate speeches and focus on telling us their manifestos. Our lives are worth more than any political ambition.”
While commending the federal government and other organisations for their support for flood victims in the region, IYC said to address the problem permanently, there must be the construction of critical drainage systems and dredging of flood-prone communities of the region.
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