A group of professionals in Bayelsa state, Network of Bayelsa Professionals, has called on the electorates in the state, to beware of politicians with shady pasts in the coming November 11 governorship election in the state.
This call was made in a statement issued by the group in Abuja on Wednesday.
The statement signed by the group’s Spokesperson, Mr Deinmobofa Tantua, noted that Bayelsa as a state yearning for development, should not be allowed to be governed by people with dented integrity.
The group which described Bayelsa as a unique state which deserves to be governed by people with sound character and unblemished records in academics qualifications, and the best brains with genuine concern for development, said the horrible past of some candidates will discourage those who are interested in investing in the state.
“Let the point be made here that we are not partisan Professionals. We are concerned professionals genuinely pursuing good governance for the good of our state.
“The era of unnecessary political upheavals has in the last four years paved the way for a peaceful atmosphere with the people now operating as one big family. Our prayer is that the people of Bayelsa should build on this peaceful atmosphere created by the current government to open more doors for foreign and local investments.
“With Bayelsa’s unique location coupled with the prevailing peaceful atmosphere and the efforts of the Douye Diri-led administration, joblessness and hunger would soon be reduced in the state,” the group stated.
The group added that “Bayelsa and Bayelsans cannot afford to be governed by people with integrity deficit in the educational background and character and therefore by popular estimation, Douye Diri and his Deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo remain the best choice now to continue to lead the State.
“Governor Douye Diri’s continued disposition to peace in the state will bring tremendous development especially foreign investments in no distant time.
“We are shocked to see in the media the criminal records of some of the gladiators in the coming election. Certainly, that is not the kind of people we want to lead a state like ours.
“More worrisome is the fact that those with such tainted pasts are even boasting shamelessly, not having any kind of remorse. This is unacceptable” the statement added.
However, the group pleaded with the people to use the November Governorship election to solidify peace, tranquillity and harmony and take the state to greater heights.
They urged the people not to allow the influence of money and material gains to influence them to the wrong side during the governorship election, but to remain purposeful and resolute in ensuring the sustainability of the prevailing peace in the state.
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