Shun criminals masquerading as politicians, Dickson tells youths

The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has called on youths in the state not to be misled by criminals and cultists masquerading as politicians.

Dickson said the sole motivation of such unscrupulous characters was to destabilise and subvert his administration’s achievements in the past seven years.

The Governor made the comment during a live radio media chat in Yenagoa last Thursday. He advised politicians not to overheat the polity, as they go about their campaigns, insisting that people should be free to campaign and vote candidates of their choice.

He also appealed to parents and guardians to be more committed to monitoring and observing the behaviour and activities of their wards, as the government intensified campaign against the scourge of cultism and drug abuse.
 
The governor, who commended security services for their determination and commitment to the safety and well-being of citizens, called on leaders at all levels to promote peaceful coexistence.

He ascribed the frequent change of Police Commissioners in the state to a sinister plot by the opposition APC leadership’s desire for someone that would protect and cover up their activities in the state.

Governor Dickson said while it was not within his constitutional powers to determine who got posted to his state; it was his responsibility to ensure that things were done properly to secure the state.

He explained that the recent signing of the law amending Community Safety and Vigilante Corps would create increased opportunity for citizens to participate more effectively in the security of their state.

He lamented that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) established for the purpose of developing the region was not doing so, but was devoting its energy and attention to politics.