CLO Warns, Says Bayelsa 'Ll Erupt Into Political War

CLO Warns, Says Bayelsa 'Ll Erupt Into Political War

Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has warned that unless urgent steps
are taken to address the worrisome insecurity problems in Bayelsa State, the state will turn into a war zone.

It has also warned that the April general elections will not have the
full participation of the electorate in the state.

The state Secretary of the human rights and pro-democracy group, Mr.
Moris Alagoa, tols AkanimoReports in a telephone interview on Tuesday
that the politically-inspired violence playing out in the state ''is not only very vexing, but an attempt by perpetrators to deny the people the right to choose their leaders''.

Bayelsa, the home state of President Goodluck Jonathan, has been
experiencing some kind of political violence since the rift between
Governor Timipre Sylva, and his deputy, Peremobowei Ebebi became public
knowledge.

The two leaders have been accusing each other of master minding bomb
attacks in the state. Apart from the stoning of the governor during the.

President’s visit, some governorship aspirants in the state have been
suffering attacks.

Alagoa said on Monday, there was bomb blasts at the head quarters of
Ogbia Local Government Area, Jonathan's home local government.
''We gathered that three bombs exploded at the campaign office of Timi
Alaibe, with him present at the time of the incident. As you are most
aware, Alaibe is the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the
state'', the CLO scribe said.

Continuing, he said, ''the CLO is very much disturbed by the emerging
and continued bombings associated with politicians. If allowed to
continue, the trend will not only deny Bayelsans of their real leaders,
the confidence of the people to come out and vote will be further eroded.

''In the light of the foregoing unacceptable scenario which perpetrators seek to terrorise political opponents and the electorate for selfish motives, CLO wishes to state and demand that the Bayelsa State Government should demonstrate to citizens that they can providing an enabling environment for all in the state, no matter their
political affiliation''

The group also wants the Federal Government to take more than
an ordinary interest in Bayelsa, as the state, according to them, has
shown real signs of politics of violence and intimidation.

ENDS

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