Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged youths to shun electoral violence and use their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, to elect credible leaders with the capacity to deliver on sustainable development, peace, and economic prosperity.
He maintained that the PVC is their AK-47, and they do not need any gun or machete to intimidate anyone before and after the forthcoming general elections.
Senator Diri dropped the advice while addressing youths on Saturday, January 21, 2023, during a programme tagged “Prosperity Youths Day 2023,” at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, the state capital.
The governor described the PVC as a tool that confers political power on the electorate, and what they needed was the card, which he said was more powerful than an AK-47 rifle.
He said: “The PVC is your AK-47. You do not need any gun or machete to intimidate anyone. Bayelsa youths are not violent but intelligent and productive.
“Elections are very serious business of choosing leaders that will lead them towards prosperity, development, and growth.”
The state’s helmsman also urged youths to shun drug abuse and all acts of violence before, during, and after the elections and stressed the need for them to key into the government’s various policies and programmes targeted at building their capacity.
“Do not allow politicians to use you as canon fodders to advance their selfish political interest. They tell you lies and give you peanuts to harass and intimidate other politicians contesting with them.
“Always believe in God and yourselves. Shun drug abuse and cultism. What God has for you, nobody can take it away,” he added.
He also appealed to anyone involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities to have a change of heart, as the government would not condone any breach of the peace and stability of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Prosperity Youth Movement, Comrade Doubara Kumokou expressed appreciation to the governor for identifying with the youths of the state by putting in place various empowerment programmes.
Wike, Tambuwal, Diri, Other Governors Absent As PDP Inaugurates Osun Campaign Council
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri who is the Chairman Osun State Gubernatorial National Campaign Council, among several of their colleagues were absent on Wednesday when the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, inaugurated the campaign council.
Only the vice-presidential candidate of the party and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba were present at the event.
Governors Seyi Makinde, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Emmanuel Udom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Darius Ishaku, Samuel Ortom, Godwin Obaseki, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and Bala Mohammed were among the 128 committee members but they were all absent at the inauguration.
Speaking just before inaugurating the council, acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, said the sole mandate of the council is “to go to Osun State and win the election for us,” adding that “Osun is key to our presidential election.”
He said, “We have a very popular candidate in Osun and we have no reason not to win the election.
“So I believe with the caliber of people in this committee, I’m sure Osun will become ours, you will make a lot of sacrifices for the task ahead of you, engage stakeholders that are aggrieved.”
Source: Daily Post
