Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
Joshua Maciver, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC, in Bayelsa, says claims by the Bayelsa chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on peace at best hypocritical following the spate of attacks it is orchestrating against APC supporters.
He said that “only peace will beget peace in the November 11th governorship election in the state.
MacIver who was reacting to an alleged attack on some APC supporters in Kolokuma/Opkuma, the Local Government Area of Gov Douye Diri.
MacIver said the PDP was hypocritically claiming to be peaceful while unleashing violence against APC supporters.
He said that anyone who misbehaved will receive the same treatment.
His words: “If anybody misbehaves,’ e go collect. I nor be Chief Timipre Sylva wey dey play with una, wey dey preach peace. I give you peace; if you give me peace, I give you trouble; if you give me trouble, I will give you double of what you look for. Allow peace to reign, or we will give you what you are looking for, Mr. Outgoing Governor Douye Diri.”
MacIver expressed deep concerns about the escalating violence and threats faced by APC members in Otuan community, Southern Ijaw LGA.
He pointedly questioned Governor Diri’s response, saying, “Your people are attacking and threatening to burn our people alive in Otuan community, Southern Ijaw, yet you applaud them.”
The APC leader urged the PDP to call its members to order as APC would be compelled to defend itself.
He issued a clear and resolute message to those responsible for the attacks, cautioning, “Whoever brings what they are doing to our people in KOLGA to SILGA will receive double of whatever they bring to the table.”
MacIver warned Governor Diri: “I am advising the outgoing governor Douye Diri to stop the attack on APC Members in his LGA, or we will give him double of it. We will defend our people if the security agencies refuse to do anything in KOLGA. I’m warning him.”
MacIver’s reaction is coming on the heels of growing tensions and political turmoil in the Bayelsa State ahead of the Nov 11 polls.
Meanwhile, the PDP has called on the security agencies to arrest MacIver for making inviting comments.
Mr Ayiba Duba, Commissioner for Information and Director of Publicity, PDP Campaign Council made the call in a statement urging the Inspector General of Police to invite MacIver for questioning.