By Brave Dickson
As the people of Bayelsa State prepare to elect their new governor today, November 16, the National Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Chief E.K Clark has warned electorates in the state to shun violence and vote peacefully.
Chief Clark who doubles as the Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustee said this through a press statement made available to our correspondent as he expressed delight that the election would hold as scheduled.
Preparation for the gubernatorial poll in the state has been marked with wide-spread violence, leading to multiple deaths.
Stakeholders also voiced their concerns over the movement of thugs from neighbouring states.
However, the elder statesman appealed to the Bayelsa people to shun violence.
“I am appealing to the people of Bayelsa State to shun every act of violence, they should go out and vote peacefully, according to their conscience, without being coerced or intimidated.
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“We don’t want violence. An election is not war; it is not a matter of life or death. The present tension and killings in the state are not in the interest of the Ijaw people. Bayelsa is a miniature nation of all the Ijaws.
“Bayelsa State does not belong to any individual, so people should not behave as if the state is their personal property, and nobody should act as it were whatever he says is final.
“Politicians and their supporters should not destabilize the state for their own political benefits. PANDEF is suing for peace.
“We cannot be killing our people because of the personal interest of individuals. Ijaw people are the same, we are one. And Ijaw people have always been very democratic and republican in their attitude.
“For instance, the Late Harold Dappa-Biriye and his father, contested an election, and the son won; it did not stop them from being father and son.
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“The unfolding events are appalling but I am happy that the election will hold. I, therefore, implore all the leaders of the political parties in the contest to understand that the state comes before every other person.
“They should know that without Bayelsa State, they won’t exist and as such, they should consider Bayelsa’s interest first before their personal interests.
“I further call on all Ijaw sons and daughters in Bayelsa State to see that they perform their democratic duties by voting peacefully, the candidate of their choice.
“Bayelsans know the records of those who have served Bayelsa State in various capacities. We must realize that the interest of Bayelsa State and the Ijaw people is paramount.
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“PANDEF is also calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to remain unbiased in the conduct of the election while we urge the security agencies to demonstrate professionalism and detachment in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the election.
“That what happened in 2015 governorship election and the 2019 presidential elections should not be allowed again to rear its ugly head; where people were killed, where elections were held in some places and elections postponed in some places due to crisis and violence.
“If the election is held, democracy should be seen to be prevailing. We want a peaceful, free, fair and credible election. Announced results must be the true reflection of the votes of the people of Bayelsa State,” he said.
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