The Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has issued a warning to the security personnel responsible for overseeing the Bayelsa State gubernatorial election scheduled for November 11. They cautioned these security agents against becoming tools for intimidation and the suppression of eligible voters.
The group also urged the security agents to ensure that all eligible voters can freely exercise their civil rights without being disenfranchised by politicians or their sponsored individuals. They emphasized the need for these security personnel to be vigilant and protect the citizens during the electoral process.
In a statement released on Monday in Yenagoa, the National Secretary of MOSIEND, Amb. Winston Amain, emphasized that life continues after every election. As a result, both the participants and non-participants should refrain from any actions that might lead to a disruption of the existing peace in the state.
The statement said, “We condemn the recent menace of attacks in our state, which find disturbing. Election is not war, but a process to access a position. We need to abide by the rules of engagement.
“If we kill ourselves, who and who will they rule? The youths need to absolutely reject and refuse to be used as tools for trouble before, during and after the November 11th governorship election in the state.
“All candidates are from Bayelsa State, so we don’t need to promote violence or incite ourselves against each other all in the name of politics.
“Political parties should not be the yardstick to support or vote for any candidate, but what development we can benefit should be our aim. The message is clear and we should avoid sentiment all in the name of political parties. We are brothers even if we support different parties.
“The youths need to critically analyse political messages and not blindly follow or support any candidate or group of persons to promote violence or incite hatred.
Political parties are like clothes politicians wear to participate as required by the electoral laws but youths should come out enmasse to vote for only the candidate with a blueprint to develop the land and people of the state.
“We urge INEC to be totally neutral and adhere to its mandate to conduct a free and fair election.”
