For the second time in less than a month, Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri has sent warning signals to members of the para-military group linked with the APC, The Jagaban Army, which had earlier indicated the readiness to get involved in the processes leading to and during the November 11 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State.
About four weeks ago, TNN had reported exclusively, heightening fears in the state as the group announced its readiness to fight for the victory of the APC during the election.
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Although members of the group claimed to have been involved during the last general election in the state, working for the success of the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it was difficult for them to proof their legal status that qualified them to appear in para-military uniforms for election duties.
The group created the impression that they were an army recruited to fight and deliver the APC at all costs. Last month, they issued a statement to the effect that “the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Hon Dayo Israel have(sic) directed all members of the Jagaban Army in Bayelsa State Brigade to go all out to deliver Chief Timipere(sic) Sylva and Joshua Maciver in the forthcoming November 11th 2023 Guber election.”
The tone of the statement gave the impression that they would go all out to grab victory for the APC during the November 11 election, whether by hook or by crook. In fact, the coordinator was quoted in the statement as boasting that he would be “live in Bayelsa with the Jagaban Army to canvas support for the candidate.”
In all their campaign materials, the members could be seen in their para-military uniform. But it is not yet clear if they have been given guns for their operations.
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The state governor does not seem to be taking the matter lightly. About two weeks ago, he made reference to their activities while receiving some military personnel in his office.
Speaking at the service of songs in honour of Chief Nestor Binabo, a former speaker of the state house of assembly and one time acting governor, Diri said “those civilians plotting to dress in military toga during the November election, it is time they realised that Bayelsa was no longer the spot for such games played over the years. That culture of political violence has to stop.
“We are happy that now we have the BVAS. So, those used to violence to attain offices, even from the point of view of INEC, have to stop. With BVAS, you can no longer write election results or intimidate and terrorise the same people you want to lead. If you plan to do that, please I advise you join the military.”
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He said they should be ready to face the law if they were found in the state during the election. He accused politicians in the state of planning to arm youths dressed in such acquired uniforms to perpetrate violence during the poll.
Saying that with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), violence, thuggery and ballot box snatching had become irrelevant during elections.
