By NATHAN NWAKAMMA

Bayelsa Arise, a group of Bayelsa people dedicated to upholding democratic values and principles, has raised concerns over alleged plot by Gov. Douye Diri to manipulate the governorship election in his favour.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Diri is seeking reelection in the Bayelsa governorship poll billed for Nov. 11.

In a statement by Ebitimi Lucky, Publicity Secretary, Bayelsa Arise, the group alleged that Diri was behind litigation to stop his main challenger in this election, Chief Timipre Sylva, from the race.

“As a group, that is deeply concerned for the democratic process and the integrity of our electoral system, the Bayelsa Arise wishes to state, that we have been closely monitoring the political developments in Bayelsa leading up to the upcoming governorship election.

“We believe it is our duty to voice our concerns on issues that may undermine the credibility of the election.

“Bayelsa Arise is deeply troubled by the apparent lack of preparedness being demonstrated by the incumbent governor and his administration in the run-up to the forthcoming election.

“The governor and his party, despite their growing unpopularity, have practically abandoned the state, while busy chasing audience with political bigwigs in Abuja and other places across the country.

According to the group, as we speak, our state’s infrastructure remains in disrepair, and there are serious concerns about the ability of security agencies to maintain law and order in our state.

“Recall, that in 2019, Diri lost his governorship aspiration to the then candidate of the APC, Mr David Lyon, until the judgment that controversially brought him as governor.

“Therefore, we are deeply concerned about the current moves on the part of the governor and his team to secure another illegal court order through illegal means aimed at stopping the candidacy of Sylva,” the Bayelsa Arise stated.

Bayelsa Arise called on stakeholders, including political parties to ensure that the forthcoming election is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

“We urge Diri to prepare himself and his party, for a keen contest in the forthcoming election, as, we , the people of Bayelsa , will no longer allow anyone not elected by our people, to be imposed on us.

“We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and accountability in Bayelsa. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work tirelessly to ensure that the forthcoming election is a true reflection of the will of the people,” It stated.

NAN recalls that Mr Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to Diri on Wednesday in a statement, claimed that Sylva, the APC candidate was unsellable as he was fielding an ineligible deputy who was facing litigation.

Alabrah alleged that Sylva’s deputy had criminal records.

Sylva’s deputy governorship candidate, Joshua Machiver was dragged to the Federal High Court, Yenagoa by one of the aspirants who lost the APC’s ticket during the party’s primaries. (NAN)

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