The Bayelsa State Government has urged the Federal Government to ensure that security operatives, particularly the Nigerian Army do not engage in partisan politics, as it was the case in the Feb. 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd) made the appeal while speaking with newsmen shortly after PDP caucus members met with Governor Seriake Dickson in Government House, Yenagoa on Thursday.
Rear Admiral John Jonah, who condemned the partisan role played by some military officers in favour of the All Progressives Congress, described the action as a huge threat to the country’s democracy.
While lamenting the violence that marred last Saturday’s elections in some parts of the state, he urged the people who fled their homes to return and participate in the March 9 House of Assembly polls.
The Deputy Governor stressed the need for the nation’s security personnel to be neutral and promote free, fair and credible elections in the upcoming Governorship and State House of Assembly polls.
He maintained that election is an important element of development that must be handled with utmost care for sustainable peace and progress to thrive in the country.
The Deputy Governor also called on the leaders and supporters of the APC to give peace a chance in subsequent elections in the interest of the state.
