October 31, (THEWILL) – The Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, has expressed worry over the silence of security agencies on inciting comments made by Joshua Maciver, the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the State.
Maciver, at a campaign ground in Twon Brass, in a video that has gone viral, called on his supporters to chase anyone who misbehaves on November 11 into the sea and ensure the person dies.
Reacting to the comment on a citizen-participatory program, ‘Talk to Bayelsa’ on Glory FM 97.1 on Monday, Cocodia described it as undemocratic, callous and a clear case of inciting violence and attacks on the electorate.
He expressed worry that such comments could create panic and fear amongst Bayelsans, who would want to exercise their franchise on election day, and as such should not be treated with kid’s glove, since the opposition party in the State is known for perpetrating electioneering violence as witnessed over the years.
“It goes to show the kind of characters we have in the other divide of politics where they do not preach peace, rather they preach hatred, they preach violence and what have you.
“But, I think the people know better what to do, and who to vote for. I’m sure he made that comment knowing fully well that they are not on ground and trying to see if he could incite their few followers in Twon Brass to chase out the PDP members in the community,” he said.
Cocodia reiterated that he does not believe in the capacity of the State Commissioner of Police to address such issues, as the Police Commissioner has often shown his lackadaisical attitude towards political threats or attacks undertaken by parties, particularly the All Progressive Congress (APC).
“As I said in my last interview in this station, I said for the CP, I have completely lost faith concerning his neutrality in this business. If not, that young man should have been invited for interrogation. Also, the Brigade Commander and other security agencies should equally be concerned about the comments coming from such a person,” he stated.
The Political Adviser, however, stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was committed to its course of peaceful campaigns, and convincing victory without rancour or violence, which are part of the ideals of the PDP, adding that his party was unperturbed by the few defections it witnessed.
He said the campaigns of the PDP have been successful, as out of the eight council areas, seven LGAs have been visited with Yenagoa LGA and Nembe Bassambiri remaining, adding that those areas will be visited in the coming days.
The pioneer Commissioner for Labour Employment and Productivity concluded by scoring the Prosperity government of Governor Douye Diri high in the area of commissioning several projects across the length and breadth of the State during the campaigns, unlike the major opposition candidate, who couldn’t campaign with what he has done in the past nine years when he held notable positions as the Governor and Minister of State for Petroleum.
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