Singabele, gave a detailed account of how he was brutalized by thugs of
the All Progressive Congress before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry
into the Violence, Mayhem and Breach of Peace before, during and after the
general elections in Yenagoa.
Singabele appealed to members of the Judicial Commision of Inquiry to
ensure effective use of the evidence before it with a view to bringing
masterminds of election-related violence across the state to book.
Singabele who was the 29th witness to appear before the panel alleged he
was attacked by the APC House of Reps candidate, and his thugs at
Peretorugbene Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area on the 24th of
February.
He stated that the thugs assaulted by throwing him on the ground at the
collation center when he went to observe the process as a key stakeholder.
The Civil Service Commission boss said the inccident left him with various
bruises which were treated at the Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa.
He added that he had to prevail on youths of the community from embarking
on a reprisal mission to avert bloodshed in the community.
Also testifying before the commission, Cheif Ebiowei Miller, the PDP agent
for Unit Seven in Foutorugbene Community also in Ekeremor Local Government
Area alleged that he was assaulted by mobile policemen and was order to
leave the collation centre.
Earlier, the PDP Candidate for the Nembe/Brass Constituency in the last
National Assembly Assembly election, Mrs Marie Ebikake, stressed that it
was important for those behind the violence that rocked the state to be
identified for prosecution.
Other prominent people who have appeared before the commission are the PDP
Candidate for Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Chief Blessing
Ipigasi-Izagara, Former Chairman Nembe Local Government Area, Chief
Kurogbofa Walter-Benwari, the Vice Chairman Nembe Local Government Area,
Mr. Ayebainaemi.
Walter-Benwari told the panel that APC thugs led by an oil Surveillance
Contractor, Kodjo Sam, attacked PDP members in Bassambiri and Okipiri.
He said that the rampaging thugs broke into his house, destroyed several
value items and carted away others.
The former Council boss when flayed the conduct of security agencies said
that his life was under threat adding that he had written to alert the
Commissioner òf Police in charge of the Bayelsa Command to notify him of
the security threat.
A total of thirty-two withnesses have so far testified before the
Commission with several others scheduled to appear tomorrow when the
commission is expected to resume hearing.