A bloody fight was on Tuesday averted in Bayelsa State as suspected political thugs working for the All Progressives Congress, (APC) attacked the campaign convoy of Governor Seriake Dickson.
Bayelsa state governorship election has been scheduled for December 5.
The incident happened at the popular Swali market in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the South-South state.
The incident would have degenerated into a bloody brawl but for the prompt intervention of security aides attached to the governor’s convoy.
Describing the attack as barbaric and undemocratic, the Director of Publicity, Restoration Campaign Organization, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, said the attack lends credence to what the people of Bayelsa have always known that the APC is a violent party.
The statement reads: “Clearly, the APC in Bayelsa State is not prepared for any election. They are prepared for war but as a disciplined party, as a peaceful party and with a governor like Dickson who came to restore peace in Bayelsa State, we advise all our supporters not to allow themselves to be provoked by the APC and its brand of violence politics. We must preach peace at all times and maintain law and order because we are people of peace.”
The RCO also described as deceitful the campaign strategy adopted by the APC, advising the party to look for other sane and more dignifying means of campaign.
The organisation advised Bayelsans and other residents of the state to be wary of the antics of the APC members “who are desperate to grab power through the back door by advancing various dubious means.”
Obuebite was reacting to the flash sanitation exercise carried out by the APC which, it said, “has now confirmed to everyone the earlier assertion that it is indeed the so-called change party that is responsible for the heap of refuse around the state, particularly in Yenagoa, the state capital.”
He described as embarrassing such cruel campaign strategy of the APC, adding that “they decided to carry out the show of shame on a day that is usually set aside by the state sanitation authority for evacuation.”
The RCO advised the APC and its embattled candidate, Timipre Sylva, to look for other sane and more dignifying means of campaign as this latest style would not secure for him the votes required to be elected.
Obuebite added that Dickson is fully committed to governance and ensuring a cleaner and healthy environment for all.
Meanwhile, Dickson has assured the people of Yenagoa that he would do more to enhance development in the area when re-elected.
He made the promise on Tuesday in continuation of his ”Community-to-Community meet the people” tour.
Dickson, who was received at the Yenagoa Town Hall by the paramount ruler of Yenagoa, HRH M.C Clarkson Kikile, and members of his council, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage and support to his administration.
He stressed his affinity with people of Yenagoa, saying that it was a special area to him and pledged greater commitment to them and their aspirations.
The governor told the people that now is the time for all Ijaws to identify with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting that the Yenagoa community has been active supporters of the party since 1999, adding that he was sure they were also ready ahead of the December 5 election in the state.
Dickson enjoined the generality of the people to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its flagbearer, Timipre Sylva, ahead of the election because they do not mean well for the state and have questionable antecedents.
He accused Sylva of lawlessness, violence, excessive borrowing without justification and gross leadersip ineptitude.
Dickson asked the people to take the message of ”Operation Reject APC and Sylva” home for understanding of everyone, adding that all Bayelsans should get involved in the rejection campaign.
The governor assured the people not to be afraid of any form of intimidation as security would be provided during the elections.
He, therefore, urged them to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) and go out on election day to vote in a peaceful manner.
On the requests made by the community, Dickson promised to build a new permanent ruler’s palace, built a new school and made a personal donation of N5 million for the construction of the Yenagoa Town Hall.
At Swali, Ovom, Onopa and Amarata, which are communities in Yenagoa Local Government, Dickson also told the people on the neccessity to reject APC and Timipre Sylva.
He enjoined the people to vote for the PDP in the forthcoming election and pledged greater social-economic development in his second coming.
He awarded on the spot the construction of the Swali internal road and promised them appointmentswhen reelected.
A similar gesture was made by the governor at Ovom where he asked his Commissioner for Works, Lawrence Ewrujakpor, to initiate moves for immediate renovation of the stretch of road leading to the community.
Dickson, who was received by the paramount ruler of Ovom, HRH M.A Simeon, and council members, asked the people to be peaceful in the conduct of their campaign as he announced the appointment of one of the sons of Ovom as Special Adviser
