By SHEDRACK FRANK

The Bayelsa Government has suspended the re-run election of the Bayelsa chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The Bayelsa Deputy Gov. Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said this in a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Yenagoa, on Friday.

Ewhrudjakpo also disbanded the Electoral Committee that conducted the election on Feb. 23 that ended in a stalemate, adding that the committee fell short of expectations in the performance of its duties.

He warned those planning to participate in the re-run election that would produce a substantive President, scheduled for Saturday to have a change of mind in their own interest.

Ewhrudjakpo explained that the Bayelsa government decided to intervene to promote peace and harmony among the Igbos in the state as well as forestall the breakdown of law and order.

According to him, government has already given directive to security agencies to arrest and prosecute whoever violates its directives bordering on the election of the state president of Ohanaeze.

He acknowledged the supportive role being played by Igbos in the development of Bayelsa and urged them to continue to live as brothers and sisters.

Ewhrudjakpo said the Igbos should never allow the issue of electing a new leadership to divide them.

?As a government, we appreciate what you have been doing for our state. You are outstanding and that is why we respect you.

?This is the first time we are meeting again after our second term election. So, let me on behalf of the governor and myself, thank you for supporting us.

?We are not taking your support for granted. That is why for the first time in the history of this state, one of you, an Igbo son, is appointed as commissioner,?? he said.

Ewhrudjakpo said: ?On the issue that has brought us here, what does the Ohanaeze Ndigbo want? Would you allow election of your leaders to polarise and destroy Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa?

?On Saturday, the security agencies will be deployed round; So, anybody who gathers in the name of doing Ohanaeze election in this state will be a guest to the Police or DSS.

?Government will not impose any candidate on Ohanaeze, but government will ensure that there is peace and tranquility.

?We want to see how we can reconcile you people. On that note, we are setting up a reconciliation committee now.?

Ewhrudjakpo constituted a reconciliation committee to look into the issues causing the dispute and come up with recommendations within two weeks to enable government to settle the misunderstanding.

Earlier, the two candidates contesting the position of Presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa which is zoned to Anambra State, Mr Frank Odinekwe, and Mr Anthony Olikagwu, appreciated the state government for the intervention.

The two contesters appealed to the government to help the sociopolitical organisation resolve its internal conflict.

Responding on behalf of the Reconciliation Committee, the Chairman and Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matters, Chief Collins Cocodia, expressed gratitude to the deputy governor for finding them worthy for the assignment.

Cocodia promised that the committee would do its best to find lasting solutions to the problem. (NAN)

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