The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joshua Maciver, has come under attack for inciting violence ahead of the November 11, Bayelsa governorship election.
Maciver, during a political campaign of the party in Twon Brass, Bayelsa state, called on supporters of APC to chase anyone opposed to the emergence of the party into the sea and kill people, as long as victory was secured.
The Bayelsa Women Arise has condemned the comments by Maciver.
In a statement signed on their behalf by the publicity secretary, Ebibaratimi Atani, the women urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to take immediate and decisive action to reassure voters of their safety.
The group argued that it was the duty of law enforcement agencies to protect the lives and property of all citizens, adding: “We believe that failure to address this issue promptly would set a dangerous precedent for our state’s political climate.”
The statement read: “In light of the above, we urge the Inspector-General of Police to launch a thorough and swift investigation into the comments made by Mr Joshua Maciver, as a way of preventing bloodshed, which Mr Maciver and his co-travellers are determined to unleash on our people during the forthcoming election.
“Recall that a few days ago, our organisation expressed our fears and sensitized the people of Bayelsa for a violence-free Governorship election on November 11, during a Peace Walk where thousands of Bayelsa people participated.
“During his speech in Twon Brass, Mr Joshua Maciver shockingly advocated for the killing of supporters of opposition candidates, thereby inciting violence and creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in our beloved state.
“Such statements are not only unbecoming of a political candidate but are also a direct threat to the democratic process, which is built on the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for the rights and choices of the citizens.
“Therefore, we, as concerned citizens and advocates for peace, justice, and a fair electoral process, strongly condemn these reckless remarks and call upon the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS to take immediate and decisive action to reassure voters of their safety.
“It is the duty of law enforcement agencies to protect the lives and property of all citizens, and we believe that failure to address this issue promptly would set a dangerous precedent for our state’s political climate.
“In light of the above, we urge the Inspector General of Police to launch a thorough and swift investigation into the comments made by Mr. Joshua Maciver, as a way of preventing bloodshed, which Mr. Maciver and his co-travellers are determined to unleash on our people during the forthcoming election. We strongly believe that nobody, regardless of their political affiliation, should be above the law, and justice must be served.
It further stated: “It is crucial to remind all political actors of their responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and respect for democratic principles.
“We want to emphasise that our appeal is not driven by political bias but by a genuine concern for the safety and well-being of all citizens of Bayelsa State.
“It is our fervent hope that the forthcoming governorship election will be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, fairness, and respect for the democratic values that our nation upholds.
“It is our hope that the Police and other security agencies will demonstrate their willingness to ensure a peaceful governorship election in Bayelsa State by making sure that Mr. Joshua Maciver’s statements do not go unpunished and that the democratic process in Bayelsa State is protected.”
