Election ‘shouldn’t hold’ in Niger Delta without Python Dance

The Niger Delta Young Christian Forum (NDYCF) says failure to conduct Operation Python Dance in the area would imply that elections will not hold there.

Paul Akokari, spokesman of the NDYCF,  gave the warning in Warri, Delta state, on Wednesday.

He said the operation will also address the issue of voter apathy since the electorate will feel safer to come out and vote.

Akokari said the Niger-Delta region has been tensed on account of those that have been threatening voters with violence if they failed to support certain candidates.

The group expressed the opinion that the military exercise would go a long way to build voters’ confidence to take part in the election without fear of intimidation from miscreant hired by politicians.

“Parts of the Niger Delta are included in the jurisdiction where the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) is threatening there would be no elections if there is no referendum for self-determination,” he said.

“IPOB has threatened violence against prospective voters so it is important that there is military presence to reassure the people that they will not be attacked when they exercise their civic rights.

“Militant groups in our region that had earlier observed a ceasefire have suddenly called off the same, which is a credible threat to the conduct of the elections in the event that they resume hostilities. We recognize the need to address the needs of our region but it is also glaring that some of the demands tabled by the militants cannot be met in the weeks before the elections.

“The presence of troops on a military exercise would be greatly welcome by the larger population that does not support violence as a means of extracting the needed government actions to meet the demands of the region. Many of our people have equally received all manners of text messages that threatened them. Groups have threatened each other that they cannot vote candidate of their choices without harm coming their way. An operation that will put all trouble makers on notice in this regard will do much or peace in our land.”