GOV. DICKSON ACCUSES GOC OF COMPLICITY IN ELECTORAL FRAUD IN BAYELSA

...TO PETITION MILITARY AUTHORITIES, SET UP PANEL ON KILLINGS, VIOLENCE



Bayelsa State Governor, the Honourable Seriake Dickson has accused the military authorities particularly the General Officer Commanding, 6th Division of the Nigerian Army of subverting the will of the people in the electoral process in the state.


Governor Dickson who made the accusation during a Media chat in Yenagoa, decried unlawful orders issued by the GOC to officers and men who provided cover for APC leaders and thugs to carry out electoral fraud in some parts of the state.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Media Relation’s, Fidelis Soriwei, stated that the Governor condemned the killings and hijacking of electoral materials in areas such as Bassambiri, Oluasiri, Opu Nembe, Agbere, Oweikorogha, Apoi, Azuzuama and Korokorosei.


He said that APC leader, Chief Timipre Sylva and an Oil Surveillance Contractor, Kodjo, has taken electoral officer’s hostage at Darius Hotel, Bassambiri, describing the acts as terrorism,


He therefore called on the Independent Electoral Commission to reject results from the affected areas to promote the integrity of the Commission and the electoral process.


Governor Dickson however commended the people of Ekeremor and Twon Brass who for the first time took the bold step to vote in the election.


He attributed the development to his administration's relentless advocacy for the respect for the fundamental human rights and the creation of the conducive atmosphere for political participation in the state.


The Governor lamented that the Nigerian Army, a major respected public institution could lower its reputation to take directives from politicians to do their biddings contrary to their code of conduct guiding its operations.


The Governor who expressed sadness over the shooting of Government House Photographer, Reginald Dei and gruesome murder of PDP members including the Ward Chairman In Oweikorogha community Mr. Seidougha Taribi, sympathisezd with their families over the incident.


He said his administration would set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the political killings and other offences committed during the 2019 general elections.


The Governor assured that  appropriate actions would be taken against those found culpable, pointing out that, the outcome of the Inquiry would be made available to all appropriate quarters including foreign missions.


His words:"It is unfortunate that the GOC has turned this Division to be the most politicized in the country. Illegitimate orders were issued where a General and officers were seen escorting politicians and supervising elections in Bayelsa. That is how the military particularly the Nigerian Army has reduced its integrity.


"You all know how I respect and support security agencies in this state who carry out their duties professionally and I will continue to do so.