Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives on Thursday warned security agencies and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against bias in the December 5, governorship election in Bayelsa state.
Leo Ogor, Minority Leader who issued the warning in Abuja, stressed that the Kogi and Bayelsa State governorship elections being the first to be conducted under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, provides the litmus test to ascertain his democratic credentials and commitment to the ideals of true democracy.
The Caucus stressed further that the Bayelsa poll will be another rare opportunity for the new INEC helmsman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu to prove to Nigerians that he is truly fit, has the moral qualities to be entrusted with the task of conducting future polls in the country.
“INEC must be mindful of the consequences of not doing the right thing in the Bayelsa election. INEC must as a matter of necessity conduct a free, fair, and credible polls.
“INEC should avoid any attempt by any individual, group or political party, to manipulate the electoral process.”
The opposition leader insisted that Commission must ensure that its officers are properly monitored to avoid compromising the electoral system adding that “INEC should perform its role effectively and efficiently as an impartial umpire in the Bayelsa election. INEC must be mindful of the glaring consequences of having a repeat of the Kogi governorship election shame in Bayelsa State.”
The Caucus therefore advised security agencies against going beyond their constitutional roles in the Saturday poll, saying that; “we condemn in strong terms any attempt where security agencies will go beyond their briefs and resort to bias operation, intimidation and attacking voters, thus compromising their duties in the Bayelsa polls.”
It also called on all registered and eligible voters in Bayelsa to come out in their numbers on Saturday, to exercise their franchise, adding that the people of Bayelsa should also remain focused and committed in their resolve to vote for a candidate of their choice who will pilot the affairs of the state for another four years.
Similarly, Ogor who described the political situation in Kogi state as “an avoidable development” stressed that the inconclusive governorship election in Kogi state has thrown up constitutional crisis in the polity.
According to him, “Against the backdrop of the fall-out of the Kogi election, which opened many yawning-gaps that call to question Mr. President’s sincerity and INEC’s preparedness, it is germane to strongly advise the federal government, the electoral umpire and security agencies to be above board in the Bayelsa State governorship election.”
KEHINDE AKINTOLA
