Ibenanaowei Dakolo, traditional
ruler of Ekpetiama kingdom in Bayelsa, has alleged that weapons are being
stockpiled in the state ahead of the governorship election.
Dakolo raised the alarm on
Tuesday when the traditional rulers in the state met with officials of the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yenagoa.
Proliferation of arms has
remained a major concern during elections in Nigeria.
Dakolo said there was the need to
mop up arms being held in the state, warning that failure to do so would lead
to violence when the result of the election is announced.
“There are a lot of loose weapons
out there, we all know. There are a lot of drugs out there. These drugs are not
made in Bayelsa drugs, neither are the weapons made in Bayelsa,” he said.
“There are weapons that are
around here because either the customs did not do their job or the security
agents did not do theirs and so, they are around.
“The process of electioneering is
a conflict, where someone wants a party to win and some else wants the other to
win. When someone is announced winner, some will be jubilation while others
will be shooting. So, can these weapons be removed?
“The IGP announced recently that
even if you have registered weapons, return it. With the gunshots I heard yesterday,
I know they have not been returned and most have not been registered.
“There should be a mopping up
exercise to ensure that weapons are mopped up.”
‘WHY WE ARE MEETING TRADITIONAL
RULERS’
Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman,
said the commission is meeting with the traditional rulers to seek their
support to ensure a hitch-free election.
“The traditional rulers don’t
belong to any political party, and they don’t support any candidate. But they
have the network,” he said.
“That’s why we said we will start
a series of consultations in Bayelsa with the traditional rulers. So we are
energised and feel reassured that the next governorship election in Bayelsa
will be remarkably different from the previous ones.”
Dibal Yakadi, assistant inspector
general of police (AIG) in charge of zone 5, said the police are prepared to
ensure the election was peaceful.
He said: “There are security
issues raised but let me assure the royal fathers here that the police is
prepared If there is any security issue, you can call on the police.
“We are assuring you that
snatching of ballot boxes and other vices will be curtailed.”
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