Bayelsa Guber: Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa Identified As Flashpoints

• PDP Women Group Expresses Concern Over Alleged APC Plot To Divert Election Materials

As voters cast their votes in the governorship election in Bayelsa State this Saturday, CellHub, an election management team, that has engaged in a series of activities towards the election, has identified Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa as flashpoints.

The organisation further commended the performance of the security agencies involved in the pre-election operations, particularly the Military.

The group praised the dedication, professionalism, and devotion shown so far by the security professionals deployed to provide a safe and conducive atmosphere for the event in a statement issued on Friday by its Executive Director, Idris Usman.

It said efforts of the security agencies have contributed significantly to building public confidence and ensuring the smooth conduct of pre-election activities.

Usman noted: “However, as part of our ongoing collaboration to enhance the electoral process, CellHub urges the security agencies to concentrate their efforts on identified flashpoints within certain local government areas. These areas include Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa local government areas.

“We have noticed over the last 24 hours, reported cases of intimidation and violence in some communities particularly, Brass and Nembe local government.

“Recognising the significance of these local governments and the potential challenges they may pose, CellHub calls for heightened vigilance, strategic deployment, and effective communication among security personnel.

“By focusing on these flashpoints, we aim to preemptively address any potential security concerns and ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials, and other stakeholders.”

He also expressed the team’s commitment to work closely with security agencies, INEC, political stakeholders, and the international community throughout the electoral process to foster an atmosphere of transparency, fairness, and security, “as it believes that a collaborative approach is critical for the success of the democratic exercise in Bayelsa State.”

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa East Women Solidarity Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over what they consider to be a secret conspiracy by a few prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the senatorial district.

The PDP Women Group has stated that there is a premeditated scheme to misappropriate electoral materials, particularly result sheets, ahead of the highly anticipated governorship election in Bayelsa State on Saturday.

Mrs. Patience Egene, the spokesperson for the Bayelsa East PDP Women Group, stated that the “party has received credible information about a plot by some influential APC members to compromise the integrity of the electoral process.”

“The alleged plan involves diverting election materials meant for specific polling units, thereby undermining the transparency and fairness of the upcoming election.”

Mrs. Egene stressed that the PDP Women Group takes “these allegations very seriously, as any attempt to manipulate the electoral process will jeopardise the credibility of the Saturday election.”

She urged the relevant authorities, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security services, to take immediate steps to prevent any intervention in the electoral process.

“As the governorship election in Bayelsa State approaches, the political atmosphere in the state is becoming increasingly tense.” The claims made by the Bayelsa East PDP Women Group have introduced a new dimension to the political scene, raising concerns about the possibility of foul play.

“On Saturday, all eyes will be on INEC and security agencies to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible electoral process,” she added.