BAYELSA 2019: APC accuses Gov Dickson of plot to disrupt Nov 16 election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Balyesa State governor, Seriake Dickson of plans to disrupt the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The party therefore, called on security agencies to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state.

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Yekini Nabena, made the call on Thursday at a news briefing in Abuja.

He warned that alarms raised over arms stockpiling and establishment of fresh militant camps by monarchs should not be taken for granted, adding that those who raised the alarm belonged to no political party, but raised a genuine concern.

Nabena claimed that Dickson had created tension in the state, considering how he had been using the security outfit, Operation Doo Akpo, to intimidate opponents within his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC.

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Nabena, also advised the heads of security agencies to monitor the operations of their personnel before and during the governorship election.

He advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to start the process of monitoring deployment of Bayelsa funds.

“Bayelsa State is being transformed to a war zone ahead of the election. Governor Dickson has seen that defeat is imminent for his candidate and has resorted to using violence to force his will on the people,” Nabena said.

He added that “Recently, traditional rulers in Bayelsa State reported to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the arms stockpiling in the state, which is happening under the watch of the Dickson administration.

“As the INEC chairman stated, traditional rulers don’t belong to any political party, and they don’t support any candidate, so our security agencies cannot afford to fold their arms on this. We must take their reports very seriously. We have a duty to protect INEC and the voters to ensure a free and safe election.

“The popularity of David Lyon, the APC candidate, has thrown the camp of Governor Dickson into disarray. The recent wave of high profile defections from the PDP to the APC is a proof that the wind of change is blowing across the state. Governor Dickson’s rigging and intimidation plans will fail because Bayelsans are ready to defend their votes.

“Governor Dickson is using the state security outfit, Operation Doo Akpo, to harass opponents in his party, the PDP and APC members, supporters and leaders in the state ahead of the governorship election. The governor has boasted that he has the money to pay the Police and Army, including their retirement benefits, if they work for him during the election. He has gone ahead to set up an Army and Police base in his village, Toru-Orua. The Inspector-General of Police and Chief of Army Staff must not allow this to happen.”

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