Politics
BAYELSA State Governor Douye Diri has implored monarchs to steer clear of partisan politics in the 2023 general election.
He said the traditional rulers should rather provide a level playing field for all parties.
Senator Diri spoke yesterday in Yenagoa during a meeting with the Traditional Rulers Council at its secretariat.
He urged the monarchs not to allow any party to hijack the process to perpetrate electoral fraud.
He, however, hoped that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would end electoral malpractices.
The governor said: “As custodians of our heritage and culture, it is incumbent on you to provide a level playing field for parties in the state to freely canvass for votes in a conducive and peaceful atmosphere.
“We all know that issues like elections fragment brothers, sisters and communities. So, as we approach the 2023 general election, I implore traditional rulers to remain apolitical. Don’t allow any party to hijack the process in your domains to perpetrate electoral fraud. If this happens, while the traditional ruler sits in the comfort of his home, his recognition will be withdrawn.
“You have been recognised in your kingdoms as custodians of our heritage and culture. In Bayelsa State, you have been performing administrative duties, working with council chairmen.
“I had directed the local government chairmen to involve traditional rulers in their monthly Security Council meetings. Our security architecture has been rejiged and for the past one month, crime rate has reduced.”
Responding to the issues raised by the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom; Diri said efforts between the state government and security agencies on improving security on land and waterways were yielding results, particularly in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw local governments.
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Responding to the issues raised by the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom; Diri said efforts between the state government and security agencies on improving security on land and waterways were yielding results, particularly in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw local governments.
On the dearth of teachers in schools in rural areas, the governor directed the Commissioner for Education, Gentle Emelah, to ascertain the number of teachers in urban schools and ensure a balance with their counterparts in the rural areas.
Diri, who approved renovation of the traditional rulers’ secretariat through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, assured them that government would look into other issues of review of stipends, running cost and provision of utility vehicles.
King Dakolo praised the developmental strides of the Diri administration, particularly in the execution of people-oriented projects across the state.
Dakolo, who pledged the monarchs’ support to the government, highlighted a number of issues bordering on security, education and other concerns of the council.
-The Nation
KN
Tags: Douye Diri Gentle Emelah INEC King Bubaraye Dakolo
