By Henry Umahi
Justice For All (JFA), a socio-political advocacy group, has commended Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State for his non-violent approach to politics, saying his style is worth emulating by political and non-political actors in the state and elsewhere, especially as the governorship election approaches.
The group also commended the governor for his positive performance in office across virtually every sector. According to the group, Diri has brought joy to residents and communities through several important projects and infrastructure covering roads and bridges, health, education, sports, agriculture, women and youths empowerment, welfare of workers and pensioners as well as improved security in the state.
Maintaining that all eyes are on the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) as regards the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State, the group urged the electoral body to be above board. The group said that the people are not expecting anything less than free, fair, credible and violence – free governorship election.
The group also charged the security agencies to ensure that disgruntled and frustrated elements do not cause confusion during the election. The group equally urged parents to ensure that their children and wards are not used by desperate politicians to execute their evil enterprise.
A statement issued in Lagos at the weekend by Dr Sam Z. Imodibe, Project Co-ordinator, and Francis T. Nyame, Director of Press, said: “We want to commend Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State because, over the years, he loves to play politics without bitterness. He has been preaching peace and we commend him for his efforts to bring Bayelsa State people together irrespective of political affiliations. That is the kind of leader the country needs at various levels.
“One of the ways to have a peaceful election is to have rancour-free campaigns. Campaigns should be issue-based, not mudslinging. We expect people seeking elective offices to tell the people what to expect if they succeed instead of abusing opponents. That is crude politics and it should be consigned to the dust bin of history. The leaders of various political parties should show real leadership and ensure that their members do not overreach themselves during campaigns or elsewhere.
“We expect INEC to get their logistics right. Considering the Bayelsa State terrain, we expect them to be painstaking in their arrangements because no excuse would be acceptable. They should ensure that election materials arrive the polling units at the appropriate time so that eligible voters are not disenfranchised.
“The security agencies should collaborate with INEC to ensure that ballot papers and boxes are not snatched or election results tampered with. As patriotic Nigerians, we urge INEC to be impartial and transparent in its conducts because transparency is the way to deepen democracy in our country.
“The will of the people should prevail, nothing more, nothing less and nothing else. The security agencies should deal with trouble makers irrespective of status.
“Parents should warn their children and wards not to be used by disgruntled and frustrated elements to try to rig election or subvert the electoral process in any form. This message should be taken to every gathering so that it can sink in.
“We are asking the youths: Is it not time to come to your senses? Why should you allow yourselves to be used in fights that may take your life or ruin your future? Say no to thuggery and violence because there is no benefit therefrom.”
The group condemned the recent crises in Opu – Nembe area of the state, describing it as an ill-wind.
“Individuals and groups should not take the law into their hands. When aggrieved, go to court,” JFA stressed.