Ensure credible poll in Bayelsa to avoid violence – Police urge INEC

Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone five, Mr Dibal Yakadi, has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the November 16 governorship election in Bayelsa State is free, fair and credible to curb violence during and after the poll. Yakadi, while speaking yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital, during […]

Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone five, Mr Dibal Yakadi, has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the November 16 governorship election in Bayelsa State is free, fair and credible to curb violence during and after the poll.

Yakadi, while speaking yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital, during a stakeholders meeting for political actors in the state, also cautioned political party supporters to go about their campaigns peacefully, as the force will deal decisively with troublemakers.

He ascribed the cause of election violence to include; unemployment and poverty, get-rich-quick syndrome among youths, proliferation of fire arms in the country and lack of societal values.

He urged the stakeholders, including the contestants and party supporters, not to see election as a do or die affair.

He said: “INEC should ensure that Bayelsa governorship election meets and satisfies international best practices. They should regularly partner with the security agencies and create a conducive environment for all stakeholders to ensure credible election in Bayelsa State. INEC should enlighten and sensitize all political parties.