By Milcah Tanimu
With just days remaining until the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State, prominent female political figures have come forward, urging the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DGSS) to take action against the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Joshua Maciver. They accuse him of inciting violence against members of the opposition.
In a viral video, Maciver was seen urging his audience to throw anyone who misbehaves into the sea.
These women, who are members of Bayelsa Women Arise, issued a statement on their behalf through Princess Ebibaratimi Atani, the publicity secretary. They expressed concern that the threat of violence could destabilize the upcoming election.
During a political campaign event in Twon Brass, Bayelsa State, Maciver allegedly called on APC supporters to chase and potentially harm anyone opposing the party’s emergence, as long as it secures victory.
The women have called on the IGP and the DGSS to take immediate and decisive actions to assure voters of their safety. They argue that it is the duty of law enforcement agencies to protect the lives and property of all citizens and that failure to address this issue promptly could set a dangerous precedent for the state’s political climate.
The statement highlights the organization’s previous efforts to promote a violence-free governorship election and expresses concern over Maciver’s statements, which they see as a direct threat to the democratic process and the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for citizens’ rights and choices.
In conclusion, the women call for a thorough and swift investigation into the comments made by Mr. Joshua Maciver, emphasizing that nobody, regardless of their political affiliation, should be above the law, and justice must be served. They also stress the responsibility of all political actors to promote peaceful coexistence and respect for democratic principles.
