The Bayelsa Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday denied allegation by Gov. Seriake Dickson that the party colluded with the military during Saturday’s polls to cause violence.
Mr Doifie Buokoribo, the State Publicity Secretary of APC disclosed this on Monday in Yenagoa, adding that the allegation was to blackmail the party.
The party said that it was regrettable that Dickson was raising a false alarm about violence during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
It added that the move was intended to mask the governor’s error and lawlessness during the exercise.
Dickson had in a press conference raised a number of allegations, including that the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army and its GOC colluded with APC chieftains to unleash violence that characterised the elections leading to deaths.
He also said a ward chairman of PDP in Southern Ijaw and a photojournalist attached to the Bayelsa Government House were shot by the military, killing the party leader while the journalist survived the shooting.
“Dickson specifically excoriated former Bayelsa Governor and APC leader, Chief Timipre Sylva.
“In Dickson’s court, Sylva and APC stalwarts are guilty of hijacking of electoral materials, killings – and even terrorism.
“Expectedly, the media has been awash with reports of “violence” by APC in parts of the state, particularly Twon-Brass and Bassambiri-Nembe.
“We reiterate that the APC in Bayelsa and its leadership had nothing whatsoever to do violence during last Saturday’s elections.
“Governor Dickson and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be held responsible,” it said.
It would be recalled that the PDP ward chairman, Mr Seidougha Taribi and the photo-Journalist, Reginald Dei, were reportedly shot during the elections in Oweikorogha, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Dei was reported be in a critical condition at Diete Koki Memorial Hospital Opolo, Yenagoa, while Taribi was said to have died on the spot.
Spokesman of Army Brigade Major Jonah Danjuma, distanced the military from the alleged killings saying that on the contrary it arrested 15 armed men suspected to be thugs in a different area from where the deaths occurred.
According to the APC, the governor’s allegation remains wild and unsubstantiated against the Nigerian Army, the APC and its leadership.
IGP Adamu condemns attack on Police officers in Bayelsa
Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu has decried the attack on a DCP in Brass, Bayelsa State on Sunday, and has ordered for the immediate arrest, comprehensive investigation and diligent prosecution of persons involved, no matter their positions in society.
The IGP, who described the incident as unwarranted and unprovoked, warns that under his watch, such brazen acts of impunity will not be condoned.
Meanwhile, five (5) male suspects have been arrested in Umuahia, Abia State over an attack on a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) who was patriotically defending the sanctity of the electoral system at a Collation Centre in Umuahia.
“These attacks have once again highlighted the risks and hazards inherent in policing our clime, and the need for stakeholders and government at all levels to continue to support the officers and men of the Force in the discharge of their responsibilities,” Adamu said.
However, the IGP commended all Nigerians, whom, by their words and actions, have clearly identified with the Force by denouncing these barbaric and uncivilized actions against Police Officers performing their legitimate duties.
The IGP reassures the public that the two Officers are safe and in good health and are not under any form of unlawful restraint or detention.
