The incumbent Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, asserted that he won’t resort to violence to keep his position in the forthcoming November 11 gubernatorial election.
The governor made this statement at Ogbolomabiri, following a security review in nearby Bassambiri, Nembe Council of the state.
On August 12, Bassambiri was disrupted by a police Strategic Weapons and Tactical (SWAT) team and other non-state entities in military attire, acting under the directive of the Interim Inspector General of Police. This event resulted in gunshot injuries for some residents, while numerous others were displaced.
In a meeting with the displaced locals at the King Koko Square in Ogbolomabiri, Governor Diri mentioned that any individual willing to sacrifice human lives for political gain is unfit to lead the state.
A press release issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, conveyed the governor’s worries about the health and wellbeing of the displaced individuals. He emphasized that every life in Bassambiri or Ogbolomabiri matters to him.
He reassured them that his administration is committed to restoring peace in the Nembe communities.
Governor Diri urged the Nembe Se Congress to play a more active role in promoting unity among the people. He stressed that all Nembe individuals are equal, regardless of their lineage.
He further stated that peace is crucial for development and urged the people to foster peaceful coexistence.
In his concluding remarks, he stated, “I will not spill blood to retain my office, because every life is important to me. Anyone who wants to be governor should not sacrifice any of you to become governor.”
SOURCE: The Guardian
IMAGE: Punch
