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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has warned traditional rulers in the state to steer clear of partisan politics in the 2023 general election.
According to him any traditional ruler that allows electoral fraud to be perpetrated in his domain risks recognition
Diri, who stated this in a meeting on Thursday with the monarchs at the state’s Traditional Rulers Council, tasked them to rather provide a level playing field for all political parties.
While urging them not to allow any political party hijack the process to perpetrate electoral fraud, he however expressed the hope that introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would bring to an end electoral malpractices.
“As custodians of our heritage and culture, it is incumbent on you to provide a level playing field for all political parties in the state to freely canvass for votes in a conducive and peaceful atmosphere.
“We all know that issues like elections fragment brothers, sisters and communities. So, as we approach the 2023 general election, I implore traditional rulers to remain apolitical. Don’t allow any political party to hijack the process in your domains to perpetrate electoral fraud. If that happens, while the traditional ruler sits in the comfort of his home, his recognition will be withdrawn.
“You have been recognised in your various kingdoms as custodians of our heritage and culture. In Bayelsa State, you have been performing administrative duties, working closely with council chairmen.
On the issues raised by chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, who is the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Diri said collaborative efforts between the state government and security agencies on improving security on land and waterways were yielding results, particularly in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas.
Speaking on the dearth of teachers in schools in rural areas, the governor directed the Commissioner for Education, Gentle Emelah, to ascertain the number of teachers in urban schools and ensure a balance with their counterparts in the rural areas.
Diri, who also approved renovation of the traditional rulers’ secretariat through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, assured that the government would look into other issues of review of stipends, running cost and provision of utility vehicles.
Earlier in his remarks, King Bubaraye Dakolo applauded the developmental strides of the administration, particularly in the execution of people-oriented projects across the state.
King Dakolo, who pledged the monarch’s support to the administration, also highlighted a number of issues bordering on security, education and other concerns of the council.
