EXPLOSIONS ROCK YENAGOA; GOVERNOR SYLVA CONDEMNS ATTEMPTS AT PRECIPITATING MILITARISATION IN PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S HOME STATE
Explosions were reported in Yenagoa; Bayelsa State capital late Friday night as the country was mourning several victims in late afternoon multiple terrorist attacks in the commercial city of Kano; northwest Nigeria also on Friday. Although the details of Yenagoa explosions was still being expected at the time of filling this report, the Governor of the State, Timipre Sylva has already condemned the attacks and warned against returning the oil-rich Niger Delta State into dark days of insecurity through attempts at precipitating militarisation. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Doifie Ola explained that the Governor has received report of the explosions that rocked parts of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital late Friday night. The Governor who expressed worry that 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 also “advise the peaceful populace of Yenagoa to remain calm, but strong and vigilant as we work together to overcome these challenges”.
The statement reads “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”.
The statement also noted that it was “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 statement also noted that “the whole world watched in awe and utmost disgust the wanton militarization 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”. The statement further explained that “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”.