Concerned about the looming specter of violence in the run-up to the November 11th gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, a coalition comprising various Ijaw interest groups has strongly criticized the alarming surge in politically motivated killings in specific regions of the state. In a resounding call for peace, the coalition earnestly implored all parties involved to renounce violence and uphold tranquility during and after the impending electoral contest.
In a statement issued on behalf of the coalition, Mr. Efiye Bribena, the Secretary of the Ijaw Elders Forum, passionately appealed to the youth not to become pawns in the perilous game of taking each other’s lives for the sake of political interests. The coalition exhorted the people of Bayelsa State not to compromise their voting rights but to judiciously select a candidate who would champion good governance for the collective welfare of all.
The statement reads in part: “Recent occurrences of politically motivated violence in isolated regions of our state have deeply perturbed us. Such actions are wholly uncharacteristic of the people of Bayelsa. Consequently, we vehemently denounce these politically driven acts of violence within our state and call on all politicians to cease from supporting any activities that jeopardize the peace in the lead-up to, during, or after the election.
“Indeed, elections should not transmute into matters of life or death within our beloved state. We must demonstrate political maturity by adhering to the principles of fair play. Candidates should promote their campaigns and present their platforms to the electorate. They must eschew all forms of violence in their messaging and conduct.
“Citizens must be able to perform their civic duties without fear, coercion, or any form of bribery. All candidates are urged to restrain their supporters who may be susceptible to violent tendencies. Bayelsa State must not be transformed into a battleground or a theater of war due to electoral processes.
“The opportunity to elect a governor of character, competence, conscience, capacity, courage, credibility, and accountability must be embraced by the people of Bayelsa.”
The coalition further implored the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and all participating political parties to uphold impartiality, fairness, and a staunch commitment to the fundamental principles of democracy in overseeing the conduct of the elections.
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