DICKSON ACCUSES POLITICAL DETRACTORS OF MOBILIZING CULTISTS TO DESTABILISE BAYELSA

NEDU MARK YENAGOA

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has raised alarm over plans by his political detractors and other misguided elements to mobilise and recruit cultists and other criminal minded persons to unleash terror in the state.
He said his administration had discovered pockets of cult related activities in the recent times, but urged Bayelsans and especially the business community not to entertain any fears as security has been beefed up to secure lives and property.
He spoke Tuesday in Yenagoa at the 29th Security Council meeting in Government House, noting that reports at his disposal indicate that those behind the sinister plans are making moves to mobilise cultists and other criminals with a view to creating an atmosphere of insecurity.
In a statement released by Daniel Markon Iworiso, his Chief Press Secretary, the Governor said that “Government would do everything within its reach, not only to maintain the existing secure environment for socio-economic activities to thrive unabated, but also ensure that, whoever is caught perpetrating any crime and violence would be made to face the wrath of the law,” he said.
According to the Governor, ” Government is aware of ongoing efforts to secretly recruit and camp unrepentant cultists to carry out acts of brigandage and violence at a later period to discredit the present administration of the gains it has recorded in the area of security.” He, however, warned the people of the state to resist the temptation.
Dickson said,” I like to use this opportunity to caution those who feel they can instigate crisis in our state under the guise of politics. Let me also caution, particularly our young people, who are misguided clearly into thinking that they can engage in one form of brigandage or criminality in the name of politics.
“We have stamped out cultism in this state before, but we are seeing some kind of resurgence, since the political activities commenced. I am aware that there is some movement of undesirable elements with a view to camping in some areas of our state to unleash terror on our people. These are cultists who appear to have some political affiliation,” the statement said, reassuring that government was equal to the task of checkmating the perpetrators.
“We are closely monitoring and I like to warn those misguided young people and whoever that is behind them to desist forthwith, because we will not tolerate. The security officers and their men and the good people of our state, working in unison will stamp out all criminal and nefarious activities.
The governor expressed gratitude to all the security agencies in the state, saying, ” without them and the cooperation of our people, this state would not have been where we are today, in terms of stability and security.”