AMIDST uncertainty over the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled for today, embattled Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva has expressed deep concern over the massive deployment of Police and security personnel in Yenagoa, the state capital. A Federal High Court, Abuja, order had restrained the party from conducting today's exercise any time before next Tuesday.The governor, through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Doifie Ola, said as governor and chief security officer of the state, he considered the troop deployment uncalled for and capable of threatening the people's fundamental human rights.He called on the people of the state to refuse to be intimidated or provoked into any form of violence and urged all residents to remain calm and go about their normal businesses, 'trusting in the ability of our democratic institutions to address the existing political anxiety in Bayelsa State.'Sylva expressed confidence in the ability of the country's democratic institutions to resolve issues arising from the contest for power at all levels and expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their continued support, maturity and patriotism.He advised all parties in the political contest to bear in mind that what is most important is the interest of Bayelsa State, not the ambition of any individual or group of individuals.There has been heavy security presence in Yenagoa since Wednesday, heighteningtension and anxiety among the residents of the state.The Guardian gathered that detachments of mobile policemen were deployed to strengthen security around strategic areas in Yenagoa metropolis and other neighbouring communities, such as Imiringi, Ogbia, Otuokpoti, among others.Within the state capital, it was observed that an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) belonging to the Police was permanently stationed at the frontage of the PDP secretariat, while the DSP Alamieyeseigha Dual Carriage Way leading to the party's secretariat was closed to traffic.No fewer than 20 anti-riot policemen were also spotted at the PDP office, just as other security agents were also busy diverting traffic to other routes.Similarly, the Melford Okilo Expressway, which passes in front of the Creek Haven Government House, was blocked to commuters and other pedestrians, while stern-looking mobile policemen mounted heavy security around the area.Residents were now thoroughly scrutinised at the over 30 checkpoints dotting the capital.Commercial banks and business outlets within Yenagoa closed as early as 3pm, with heavy traffic moving out of the town apparently in fear of possible clash between supporters of Sylva and those in support of his disqualification from the primary election.Over 105 local government councilors, under the aegis of the Local Government Councilors Forum, led by Adaka Godswill, accused the anti-Sylva group of staging the endorsement of ward results on national television and hunting them with armed security men around the state capital.They alleged that there was no ward election in their areas and that the claims by a governorship aspirant that ward election took place should be investigated.They condemn the alleged use of armed soldiers and mobile policemen to hunt them for standing for the truth.Politicians loyal to the governor had gone underground for fear of intimidation, while there are unconfirmed reports of the arrest of some of his supporters.An ex-militant leader, Eris Paul, also known as Commander Ogunboss, for instance, debunked rumours of his being shot and arrested by security operatives.Stop and search operations were being conducted by soldiers and armed mobile policemen along popular routes, including the Tombia Roundabout and the Imgbi road.Some of the policemen had abandoned their primary assignment and turned to traffic duties, checking particulars of vehicles, with some residents accusing them of extortion and harassment.At the PDP secretariat, party members have not been to their offices since controversy erupted over the ward congresses.While nightlife in the state capital is gone and residents have abandoned night movements for fear of being harassed by security operatives, movement in the day has become tedious, with car owners and commercial drivers spending hours in the traffic waiting to be searched by armed soldiers and Police.The authorities of the Joint Military Task Force, through the Media Coordinator, Lt. Col. Timothy Anthinga, explained that the involvement of the military in the security exercise was a normal development to assist the Nigerian Police ensure security of lives and property.
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