NEDU MARK, Yenagoa
Bayelsa government has declared Friday as public holiday to enable civil servants to travel to their rural communities to participate in Saturday’s governorship election.
This is as the state Police Command has vowed to deal decisively with political parties and candidates who foment trouble during the governorship elections.
A statement issued by the Head of Service, Mr. Peter Singabele, urged the civil servants to use the opportunity to exercise their franchise, and advised them to eschew violence during the elections.
Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa state Police Command, Asinim Butswat, in the statement on Friday noted that the Command was adequately prepared to nip any violence in the bud.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public, that the Command has beefed up security with increased vehicular and foot patrols, as well as intensive surveillance in all nooks and crannies of the state.
“All political parties and their contestants should desist from any act capable of disrupting the elections process, they are advised to abide by the peace accord they had earlier signed and comply with the regulations guiding the electoral process.
“The Command in collaboration with other security agencies have synergized to create an enabling environment for the smooth conduct of the Governorship election,” Butwat stated.
The Spokesman said that security agencies will enforce the restrictions of boats fitted with 200 horse power engine and above on the waterways of Bayelsa.
He further said that movement by water transportation and all river craft activities in the state waterways, are restricted from 7pm on December 4 to 7 am on December 6, 2015.
“Any person or group of persons who violates this order will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
“Likewise, movement of persons, motor vehicles and tricycles will be restricted on the election date, from the hours of 6am to 6pm.
“Only those on essential services will be allowed to move.
“The electorate is advised to come out and exercise their franchise by casting their votes for candidates of their choice,”
