For the umpteenth time, Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri has warned against killings and any form of violence during the November 11 gubernatorial election in the state. He has sought the assistance of the Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, towards the realisation of his dream.
In the recent past, the governor had raised the alarm about plans by some power hungry politicians to cause violence in the state, as a way of securing victory. But his position has been that he does not need to spill blood to remain in office.
His repeated warning signals came after a group which called itself the Jagaban Army announced its intention to get involved in the election and ensure that their candidate wins on November 11. The group members dress have para-military attire as uniform.
As Diri kept shouting over threats of violence ahead of the election, the group said it has changed its name from Jagaban Army, apparently because of the impression that people already have of them, as an army of boys loyal to one of the political parties who were desirous of taking Bayelsa State from the PDP by force.
On Saturday while receiving the newly elected president of the IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, Diri urged the youths to work hard to promote a peaceful election in the state. he also urged them to be neutral before and during the election.
His words: “Let me on behalf of the government of Bayelsa State congratulate you. For those who lost and are here, I also congratulate you. I told you from the beginning that I am a father to all of you and as such I would not support anybody.
“First of all, you have to put Ijaw nation before your personal interest. If you put your interest first, you will not succeed. Live up to your oath and do not be the master. Be the servant in humility, respect and honour. We must change our mindset as Ijaw people to learn how to depend on ourselves and be enterprising.
“Election has been a problem in Ijaw land. Some people are threatening to kill in the November 11 governorship election but I know as youths you would not allow it. We should all join hands to make the election violence-free. I will not spill blood to remain in office.
“The struggle continues to get other homogeneous Ijaw states. So we must keep the fire burning and work hand in gloves with the INC in order to leave worthy legacies.
“We have heard your requests and we will respond at the appropriate time. We will work with you and we hope and pray that the Ijaw nation grows.”
Lokpobiri had commended the governor for giving direction to the Ijaw Nation through purposeful leadership. He also appreciated the governor for his role in ensuring the election that produced the current executive was peaceful and credible.
While noting that Diri’s neutrality allowed the will of the people to prevail, Lokpobiri also expressed gratitude to leaders of the Ijaw nation for their contributions to the success of the election.
The IYC president appealed for land to build a national secretariat for the group as well as financial support while assuring that his executive will not let Ijaw nation down.
He lamented that the Ijaws, who are a minority in five other Niger Delta states apart from Bayelsa, were being marginalised and ill-treated and appealed to the governor to use his office to intervene.
