Desperate politicians behind Bayelsa explosions – Sylva

The Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has said that politicians who are intent on achieving their aims in the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state are the ones behind the two explosions that rocked the state capital, Yenagoa, on Friday night.

Sylva said that the move to militarise the state, which started with the forcing of “a controversial primary” on the people of Bayelsa State, has only continued with the bombing that is aimed at foisting rulers on the state.

Sylva, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Doifie Ola, said that since his administration came into office up until when some forces bent on taking control of the state came into power, “Bayelsa State has since the inception of the Sylva-led government emerged from the darkness of insecurity into the marvellous light of peace and stability.”

He said it will be callous of anyone to now shatter that peace.

The statement in full: “Governor Timipre Sylva has just been informed of two explosions that rocked parts of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, late Friday night. Details of the incident are still sketchy. But the Government of Bayelsa State condemns in the strongest possible terms any attempt to return the state to the dark days of insecurity. The administration places high premium on peace and security and has invested so much to attain the peace and quiet that currently pervade the state. If there is anything that both friends and foes of the current administration agree on, it is the clear fact that Bayelsa State has since the inception of the Sylva-led government emerged from the darkness of insecurity into the marvellous light of peace and stability. It will be most callous of anyone to try to shatter this peace

”But it is most curious and in fact unfortunate that this new spectre of bombing is happening on the eve of a so-called campaign flag-off by persons who want to be entrusted with the welfare and security of Bayelsa people.

“The whole world watched in awe and utmost disgust the wanton militarisation of Bayelsa State towards the end of last year, against the consent of the governor and chief security officer, at a time of peace, when residents were going about their legitimate businesses. A virtual occupation force was brought in to militarise the state on purpose to force a controversial party primary on Bayelsa people. After the accomplishment of that immoral intent, we have strong reasons to believe that those who had militarised the state without cause are now seeking to give themselves some satanic predicate for yet another round of militarisation to accomplish the next phase of their ungodly political enterprise.

“It is worrisome that these things are happening in the home state of the Mr. President at a time the nation is faced with a critical security challenges.

“We advise the peaceful populace of Yenagoa to remain calm, but strong and vigilant as we work together to overcome these challenges.”