The People Democratic Party (PDP,) in Bayelsa State has praised the people
of Southern Ijaw LGA and others in the the remaining 101 units for their
steadfastness and resilience even in the face of all manners of
intimidation during the rerun on Saturday, January 9.
The commendation came from the Director of Publicity, Restoration Campaign
Organisation, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, who was full of joy as the party is
cruising to victory in the rerun.
An obviously elated Obuebite in a statement sad, “I want to appreciate the
people of Southern Ijaw local government areas, and those in the other 101
polling units, as they listened to our call that they must not allowed any
body to intimidate them, as they step out to excercise their civic
responsibilities.”
Obuebite enthused further that, “It is very clear with this display of
gallantry despite the mayhem unleashed by APC supporters, which has led
to deaths of into centers people, that our people are ready for the
restoration government of Hon. Seriate Dickson to continue with its
focused and people oriented governance.”
Obuebite had few days ago urged the people to stand firm against any
form of intimidation. That gauntlet was taken by some communities.
And in what can be described as a commendable show of resistance, the
people of Southern Ijaw resolved to take their destiny in their hands by
chasing away militants, and forming a formidable vigilante groups to guide
electoral materials till the entire of the rerun.
For this, the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, hailed the
commendable gallantry exhibited by the women and youths of Oporoma,
headquarters of Southern Ijaw local government areas, Ekowe and Otuan
communities.
This was their way of ensuring that nobody disenfranchise them from
exercising their constitutional responsibilities.
At Otuan, an APC chieftain, Rufus Abadi met a resilient blockade by women
and youth who chased away political thugs he had assembled in his compound
to undermine the process. While efforts to thwart activities at Oporoma
was equally resisted as women and youths in their hundreds chased the
militants away, just as Ekowe community rose to the occasion to stop
another show of shame by Eris Paul, better known as General Ogunbos.