By Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has condemned the violence that erupted on Saturday in Ogbia Constituency 2, Ogbia Local Government Area during the State House of Assembly election.
It was gathered that political thugs attacked and burnt down election materials meant for Ogbia ward 2, ward 4 and ward 5, all in Ogbia Constituency.
Governor Douye Diri spoke with newsmen shortly after voting at ward 6 unit 4 Kalama-owei wari in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opukuma local government area of Bayelsa State.
He described the action as highly condemnable and warned those behind the violence in the state to desist forthwith as the full weight of the law would be brought down on them.
Diri, who said his administration abhorred any form of criminality, especially electoral violence, called on the Commissioner of Police to arrest the perpetrators and ensure they were brought to book.
He said he had asked the Commissioner of Police to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that the full weight of the law was brought on them.
He was quoted to have said in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Dan Alabra: “You do not force people to be ruled. Rather, you appeal to people for them to work with you. So, let us avoid the use of thuggery in elections.
“I call on all of us, particularly politicians across parties, my own party inclusive, to abide by the rules as set by INEC and by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I also like to warn miscreants and those bent on fomenting trouble that wherever and whenever they are seen, they will be promptly arrested and persecuted.”
