Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep concern about the situation in his home state, Bayelsa, where several people have been killed in politically related violence.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the former President said it was particularly disturbing that the violence was coming ahead of the governorship election in November.
In the statement, he said, “I am concerned about the growing spate of violence in Bayelsa, especially at Nembe Local Government Area where some people have been reported to have been killed and others wounded in the build-up to the November governorship election.
“Such acts of violence should not be entertained in our polity. I condemn all forms of violence and urge community leaders and all leaders of thought to seek to promote peace in our dear state.”
Jonathan urged politicians to reject violence and explore peaceful ways of resolving their differences.
“For our democracy to grow on a sustainable basis, politicians should pursue their ambitions with utmost sense of patriotism and without jeopardizing our collective peace and unity.
“In politicking, we should, at all times, be prepared to accommodate diverse opinions, embrace peacebuilding values, espouse people-oriented agenda,” he said.
He urged security forces policing the electioneering to rise up to the demands of their duties and act professionally to avert further loss of lives and property in the current situation. “This is the way to avoid electoral violence in a society like ours,” the former President said.
