Reportedly, political thugs suspected to be behind the destruction of voting materials meant for wards 2, 3, 4, and 5 in constituency five of the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State for the House of Assembly election. This act of violence has been strongly condemned by Governor Douye Diri, according to his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah. The governor has urged the Inspector General of Police and Commissioner of Police for Bayelsa State to take immediate action to restore peace in the area.
In another part of Bayelsa State, accreditation and voting were yet to commence at wards polling units 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 in Atissa Constituency, Yenagoa LGA as of 9 am. INEC officials and balloting materials had yet to leave the Atissa RAC as of 8:45 am. However, buses and other vehicles were seen being loaded with voting materials to depart for polling units in the area.
It is disheartening to see such acts of violence and disruption of the democratic process. The government and security agencies must take swift action to ensure that the election is conducted peacefully and that the will of the people is respected. It is crucial that every citizen exercises their right to vote and that their votes count. Let us all work together to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
