Bayelsa Governorship Poll: Diri tasks Army on professionalism, neutrality

 

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on  the Nigerian Army to be professional and  neutral during the forthcoming governorship election in the state. 

Governor Diri, made the call when he played host to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in Government house, Yenagoa.

The governor, who commended  the security agencies for being neutral during the recent general election in the state, charged them to replicate same neutrality in the forthcoming governorship election.

Governor Diri, said the importance of the army and other security agencies in maintaining peace and order cannot be over-emphasized and called for a more coordinated security agencies that will enhance free, fair and credible poll.

He also lauded the Army for the support to his administration, saying it should not relent in sustaining  the peace and security in the state.

The State number one citizen noted that security was a priority of his administration and assured that the government will continue to collaborate with the security agencies to sustain the prevailing peace. 

On the request for accommodation support, the Governor Diri  promised to assist to enable the soldiers perform their duties.

His words "We are happy to receive you today because for us in Bayelsa State and for this Government that has been tagged, "The Government of Prosperity," the number one thing is the security of lives and properties.  For every Government all over the world, security is number one. And in our State, there is no difference and that's why our State is relatively peaceful and secure.”

“Bayelsa State is also moving close to yet another election, a very fundamental election for our State. We want to see a better-co-ordinated security agency that is bordered by the security of the lives of the people and not any one man whose interest will soar high and above the interest of the State and the interest of Nigeria. So please we will continue to appeal, we will work with you to ensure that in the forthcoming election, you play a neutral  role and your professional of securing lives and properties."

Earlier, the GOC 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Jamal Abdulsalam, had said the essence of the visit was to familiarize himself with the governor after his posting to the division.

Major-General Abdulsalam, also said he had been briefed on how supportive the state government had been to the Army and expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for the gesture.

He assured the governor of the readiness of the division to support the government's drive to maintain the feat achieved in the security sector in the state.

The GOC 6 division also pleaded with the governor to support the division, especially in the area of accommodation to enable officers discharge their duties effectively.