Bayelsa poll: Yenagoa, Nembe, Brass are flashpoints, CSO tells security agencies

CellHub, an election management team and civil society organisation (CSO), says Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa state, is a flashpoint.

The CSO also identified Brass, Nembe, and Ogbia LGAs as violent-prone areas.

In a statement on Friday, Idris Usman, the group’s executive director, said in the last 24 hours, there have been reported cases of intimidation and violence in the aforementioned areas.

Usman said there should be heightened vigilance and “strategic” deployment of security personnel in these areas.

“As part of our ongoing collaboration to enhance the electoral process, CellHub urges the security agencies to concentrate their efforts in identified flashpoints within certain local government areas,” the executive director said.

“These areas include Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa local government areas.

“We have noticed over the last 24 hours, reported cases of intimidation and violence in some communities, in particular, Brass and Nembe local government.

“Recognising the significance of these local governments and the potential challenges they may pose, CellHub calls for heightened vigilance, strategic deployment, and effective communication among security personnel.

“By focusing on these flashpoints, we aim to preemptively address any potential security concerns and ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials, and other stakeholders.

“As we move towards the governorship election on Saturday, CellHub emphasizes the importance of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality by all involved parties.”

Usman said CellHub would collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to ensure that the election is seamless in the state.