Worried by the threat of violence in Bayelsa State ahead of November 11 governorship election, a coalition of Ijaw interest groups has condemned the spate of politically motivated killings in certain parts of the state and urged all parties concerned to eschew violence and maintain peace during and after the poll.
A statement signed by the Secretary of Ijaw Elders Forum, Mr Efiye Bribena, on behalf of the coalition, enjoined the people of Bayelsa State not to sell their votes but ensure that they choose the best candidate that would promote good governance in the interest of all and sundry. “Elections should not be a matter of do or die in our beloved state. We must show political maturity by playing the game according to the rules. Candidates should promote their candidacy by campaigning and marketing their programmes to the voting populace. They should shun all forms of violence in their message and conduct.