Group commends Bayelsa Govt over peaceful APC presidential campaign

By Ahmed Abubakar

A northern based group, the Peoples’ Forum (PF) has commended the Bayelsa state Governor, Seriake Dickson, over the manner with which he handled the recently conducted All Progressive Congress (APC), presidential campaign in the state.

This was contained in a statement made available to news men in Abuja by its leader, Mallam Kabiru Shittu Mohanned, noting that by his exemplary disposition, Dickson had impressed it on all Nigerians the n in which he noted the tolerance and understanding of the governor.

This, he said, should be emulated in the on-going campaigns by the political parties and their members.

The statement said the Governor showed leadership and political maturity by approving the venue of the rally, the Samson Siasia Stadium and security for the campaign entourage and ensured that nothing untoward happened while the opposition party was campaigning in Bayelsa State.

He recalled that when the former governor in the state, Timipre Sylva, was in charge, Buhari’s campaign train in Bayelsa State in the 2011 election was marred by attacks and incidences of tear gas, adding that such attitude was not only disruptive but also did not add value to cause of democracy.

According to the statement, “we duly appreciate the conduct of Governor Seriake Dickson for his exemplary display of leadership and political maturity by providing the stadium and the needed security when General Buhari and his campaign team were in Yenagoa.

“He showed wisdom in his action, which ensured that no negative incident happened throughout the stay of the opposition in the state. Interestingly, the campaign was initially scheduled to hold in an open space, but he gave the stadium as an alternative venue.

“This gesture is uncommon among our politicians and we duly commend the governor. We recall that when Timipre Sylva was the governor of the state, Buhari’s campaign in Bayelsa in 2011 was marred by attacks and even the incident of tear gas, but it was not the case this time.

The lesson from Governor Dickson is the need for tolerance and understanding which we recommend to all our politicians as they go about their campaign.

Political leaders must eschew any act that could cause violence or do harm all in the name of politics. Such actions do not enhance our democracy, he added.