By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
More reactions have continued to trail the recent comments made by the running mate to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Joshua Maciver.
At a campaign rally in Brass, Joshua Maciver reportedly called on his supporters to ‘chase those who are not willing to vote for his party into the river so they can die, that, after all they won’t be the first persons to die.’
Reacting to the comment on a citizen-participatory program, ‘Talk to Bayelsa’ on Glory FM 97.1 on Monday, special adviser to the governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, described it as “undemocratic, callous and a clear case of inciting violence and attacks on the electorate.”
High Chief Cocodia expressed worry that such a comment could create panic and fear amongst Bayelsans who would want to exercise their franchise on election day, and as such should not be treated with kids glove, since the opposition party in the state “are commonly known for perpetrating electioneering violence as witnessed over the years.”
He said, “It goes to show the kind of characters we have in the other divide of politics where they do not preach peace, rather they preach hatred, they preach violence and what have you.
“But I think the people know better and what to do, and who to vote for. Am sure he made that comment knowing fully well that they are not on ground, and trying to see if he could incite their few followers in Twon Brass to chase out the PDP members in the community.”
High Chief Cocodia reiterated that he does not believe in the capacity of the State Commissioner of Police in addressing such issues, alleging that the Police Commissioner has often time showed lackadaisical attitude towards political threats or attacks undertaken by parties, particularly, the All Progressive Congress.
“Like I said in my last interview in this station, I said for the CP, I have completely lost faith concerning his neutrality in this business, if not, that young man should have been invited for interrogation. Also the Brigade Commander and other security agencies should equally be concerned about the comments coming from such a person.”
The governor’s aide however stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party was “committed to its course of peaceful campaigns, and convincing victory without rancour or violence, which are part of the ideals of the PDP,” adding that his party was unperturbed by the few defections it witnessed.
High Chief Cocodia said the campaigns of the Peoples Democratic Party have been successful, as out of the eight council areas, seven LGAs have been visited with Yenagoa LGA and Nembe Bassambiri remaining, adding that those areas will be visited in the coming days.
The pioneer Commissioner for Labour Employment and Productivity, concluded by scoring the Prosperity government of Governor Douye Diri high, in the area of commissioning several projects across the length and breadth of the state during the campaigns, unlike the major opposition candidate, who couldn’t campaign with what he has done in the past nine years when he held notable positions of the governor and minister of State for Petroleum.
