It’s a sad commentary on our democracy, says Dickson on Bayelsa election

Seriake Dickson, governor of Bayelsa, says the ongoing governorship election in the state is a sad commentary on Nigeria’s democracy.

The governor said this after casting his vote at ward 2, polling unit 5, Tori-Orua in Sagbama local government area of the state, on Saturday.

He alleged that APC thugs hijacked electoral materials and were protected by the military.

The governor said election is not taking place in Nembe, Southern Ijaw and some other areas in the state.

He also said the APC is hungry to make the nation a one-party state.

“Since morning, I’ve been monitoring events across the state. From this morning, I hope you are all aware of the well-organised brigandary and criminality taking place in Nembe, Southern Ijaw where materials meant for voters have been systematically taken away by hoodlums and militia of the APC supported by rogue elements of the Nigerian security forces,” the governor said.

“As we are speaking, gun-wielding militia men with the aid of security forces have overrun the helpless electoral officials. Most of the electoral officials in Southern Ijaw have been kidnapped and held hostage.

“The APC at the centre is too hungry and determined to make Nigeria a one-party state. They must win everywhere, even where they don’t have presence on ground. But this time, there is heightened determination by the federal government to capture Bayelsa whether the people vote or not. No election going on in Nembe as we speak.

“My dear people of Bayelsa, I sympathise with your future. Today is a sad commentary in our nation’s democracy.”

Also, former President Goodluck Jonathan decried the delay in the commencement of voting at his polling unit in Otuoke.

He said it was an indictment on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).