Bayelsa guber: I won’t spill blood to retain power, says Diri

Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has vowed that he will not spill blood to retain his office ahead of the November 11 governorship election in the state.

Diri gave the assurance at Ogbolomabiri after assessing the security situation in neighbouring Bassambiri,  Nembe Council of the state, yesterday.

Men of the police Strategic Weapons and Tactical (SWAT) team and some non-state actors in military camouflage, on August 12, invaded Bassambiri community on the orders of the Acting Inspector General of Police.

Some persons suffered gunshot injuries as a result of the invasion, while many others were displaced.

Addressing displaced Bassambiri indigenes at the King Koko Square at Ogbolomabiri, the governor said anyone who sacrificed the lives of people to gain political power does not deserve to lead the state.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, yesterday, Diri expressed concern over the health and welfare of the displaced people, noting that every life in Bassambiri or Ogbolomabiri is important to him.

He reassured them that his administration would do everything possible to restore peace in Nembe communities.

The Bayelsa governor urged the leadership of the Nembe Se Congress to do more in uniting the people, stressing that every Nembe man or woman is one and the same irrespective of lineage.

While saying the absence of peace is a recipe for underdevelopment, he encouraged the people to live peaceably with one another.

He said: “I will not spill blood to retain my office, because every life is important to me. Anyone who wants to be governor should not sacrifice any of you to become governor.”