Over 200 ex-freedom fighters under the aegis of Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (PCDI) have pledged to work with the state government and the security agencies to arrest the trend of kidnapping and other forms of crime in Bayelsa State.

The support was sequel to the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the waterways in the State.

The leader of PCDI, Chief Jepthah Kalaiti, who made the pledge during a courtesy call on Bayelsa State governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, said their decision to partner with government was premised on the outstanding performance and achievements of the incumbent governor, especially in the area of security and his quest to transform the state by attracting investors from all over the globe.

Kalaiti said they were impressed with the performance of Governor Dickson in close to four years in office and therefore seized the occasion to endorse his re-election bid for another term in office.

The ex-agitators stressed that by the pace of achievements within the short period and as a good and supportive father and leader of Ijaw Nation, it behooves for them as a group to stand shoulder to shoulder and fight for peace in the State before, during and after the elections.

Kalaiti said they have organised themselves into groups in readiness for operation against kidnappers in the state and against mischief makers during the election, adding that they have lived and worked together as a group and know how to work in synergy.

In his response, Dickson reiterated his commitment to the peace and development of the state, as no meaningful development could take place in the atmosphere of crisis.

He therefore solicited the support of the ex-militant leaders in putting an end to the spate of kidnapping and other vices in some parts of the state.

Dickson said their wealth of experience as freedom fighters and youth with background knowledge of the creeks and hinterlands would be needed to stem the activities of mischief makers in the state and the region.

He said: “I thank you for your continued support that has enabled us to embark on developmental projects without harassment of contractors. The struggle of Ijaw nation is not a criminal act and I want to solicit your support and participation in the security of our State to forestall kidnapping.

“I also want to call on you to work for peace and security as whatever crisis that erupts in Bayelsa will affect not only the entire Niger Delta states but the entire country. The continued peaceful co-existence of the Nigerian nation is in the interest of the Ijaw people. But in the present political contention, what is needed is your Permanent Voter Cards; so all you need is to get your PVCs ready.”

•Photo shows Governor Dickson.

Update news