Bayelsa Guber: Women group urges IGP to investigate APC Deputy Governorship candidate over ‘inflammatory statement’

Two weeks to the Governorship election in Bayelsa State, a leading female political figures operating under the aegis of Women Arise has cautioned the All Progressives Congress Deputy Governorship candidate, Mr. Joshua Maciver for making inflammatory statement at a rally.

The group called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun and the Director General of State Service to arrest and investigate the APC deputy governorship candidate before things got out of hand.

In a statement which was signed by group’s Director of Publicity, Princess Ebibaratimi Atani and sent to CAPITAL POST on Monday in Abuja, said such inflammatory statement by opposition party deputy governorship in the State was capable of stoking violence, if not cautioned.

They quoted the APC deputy Governorship candidate to have said: “Mr. Maciver during a political campaign of the party in Twon Brass, Bayelsa State, called on supporters of APC to chase anyone opposed to the emergence of the party into the sea and kill people, as long as victory is secured.”

They urged the security agencies to engage the Mr Maciver to assure electorate of their safety before, during and after the election.

The statement said: “We believe that failure to address this issue promptly would set a dangerous precedent for our state’s political climate.

“In light of the above, we urge the Inspector- General of Police to launch a thorough and swift investigation into the comments made by Mr. Joshua Maciver, as a way of preventing bloodshed, which Mr. Maciver and his co-travelers are determined to unleash on our people during the forthcoming election.”

They recalled how the group embarked on violence-free election sensitisation, noting that their effort would be rubbished if security agents did not wade in to investigate the APC chieftain immediately.

“During his speech in Twon Brass, Mr. Joshua Maciver shockingly advocated for the killing of supporters of opposition candidates, thereby inciting violence and creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in our beloved state.

“Such statements are not only unbecoming of a political candidate but are also a direct threat to the democratic process, which is built on the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for the rights and choices of the citizens.”

“Therefore, we, as concerned citizens and advocates for peace, justice, and a fair electoral process, strongly condemn these reckless remarks and call upon the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS to take immediate and decisive action to reassure voters of their safety.

“It is the duty of law enforcement agencies to protect the lives and property of all citizens, and we believe that failure to address this issue promptly would set a dangerous precedent for our state’s political climate.

“In light of the above, we urge the Inspector General of Police to launch a thorough and swift investigation into the comments made by Mr. Joshua Maciver, as a way of preventing bloodshed, which Mr. Maciver and his co-travelers are determined to unleash on our people during the forthcoming election. We strongly believe that nobody, regardless of their political affiliation, should be above the law, and justice must be served.

“It is crucial to remind all political actors of their responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and respect for democratic principles.

“We want to emphasise that our appeal is not driven by political bias but by a genuine concern for the safety and well-being of all citizens of Bayelsa State.

“It is our fervent hope that the forthcoming governorship election will be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, fairness, and respect for the democratic values that our nation upholds.

“It is our hope that the Police and other security agencies will demonstrate their willingness to ensure a peaceful governorship election in Bayelsa State by making sure that Mr. Joshua Maciver’s statements do not go unpunished and that the democratic process in Bayelsa State is protected.”