Politicians, comprising candidates for various political positions and leaders of parties in Bayelsa State, on Wednesday, shunned a one-day stakeholders’ meeting organized by the state Police Command.
The major political parties and its officials including members of the Peoples Democratic Party, were absent at the gathering .
Also, candidates vying for elective positions in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly also shunned the stakeholders’ meeting held at the Police Officers Mess, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
It was noticed that only the Assembly candidate from the Kowa Party, Okidi Werin, representing Sagbama Constituency 1, was present at the gathering.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Valentine Ntomchukwu, while addressing participants, frowned at the absence of political party officers and major stakeholders in the state.
Ntomchukwu said, “No members of the PDP are present; no APC members or candidates vying for any elective positions are present here. Even those seeking elective positions in the Senate, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly are present.”
Notomchukwu, who expressed sadness over the poor turn out of the participants, said the police would deal decisively with any body or group of people that foment trouble before and after the election in the state.
“Anybody, who wants to foment trouble on the day of the election would be dealt with decisively, please do not be deceived by any body that he can rig the election,” he said.
The police boss also told the stakeholders that the police were fully prepared for the 2015 election and called on the public to ensure total peace.
Ntomchukwu also urged the participants to cooperate with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure a hitch free poll.
