The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has tasked security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on fairness to all political parties in today’s Bayelsa State governorship election.
They warned against any preferential treatment that would give the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, former governor Timipre Sylva undue advantage.
The Caucus in a statement on Friday by its leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, lamented what it called “an avoidable development” as a result of the inconclusive governorship election in Kogi State, which has thrown up a constitutional crisis.
“Being a major and committed stakeholder in the Nigerian project, and as worthy representatives of our constituents spread across the country, deem it necessary to make a clarion call to well-meaning Nigerians on the governorship election in Bayelsa State.
“Against the backdrop of the fall-out of the Kogi election, which opened many yawning-gaps that call to question Mr. President’s sincerity and INEC’s preparedness, it is germane to strongly advise the Federal Government, the electoral umpire and security agencies to be above board in the Bayelsa State governorship election,” Ogor said.
The Caucus stressed that the Bayelsa poll will be another opportunity for INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to prove to Nigerians that he is truly fit, has the moral qualities to be entrusted with the task of conducting future polls in the country.
“INEC must be mindful of the consequences of not doing the right thing in the Bayelsa election. INEC must as a matter of necessity conduct a free, fair, and credible polls. INEC should avoid any attempt by any individual, group or political party to manipulate the electoral process,” he added.
The Caucus, therefore, advised security agencies against going beyond their constitutional roles in tomorrow’s election, saying, “We condemn in strong terms any attempt where security agencies will go beyond their briefs and resort to bias operation, intimidation and attacking voters, thus compromising their duties in the Bayelsa polls.”
-Vanguard
