AC SYMPATHISES WITH VICTIMS OF BAYELSA LG POLL

By NBF NEWS

The Action Congress in Bayelsa State on Wednesday sympathised with the families of those who died in last Saturday's local government election in the state.

It also urged the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a local government election petitions tribunal as provided by law without delay.

The party stated this in a condolence message to the people of Ekeremor Local Government Area, where eight people were reportedly killed in cult clashes, and several families that lost children in the violence that trailed the election in the council.

Acting Chairman of the AC in the state, Mr. Miriki Ebikibina, said the party would not be deterred from enthroning a credible democracy in the state.

He said, 'The party sympathises with the families, people of Ekeremor and the state in general for the loss of lives in the election. The incident was pathetic, tragic as it is sad, worrisome and most unfortunate.'

He faulted claims by the state government that the election, in which the Peoples Democratic Party won all the eight chairmanship slots and councillorship positions, was a peaceful and credible poll by Nigerian standards.

He said, 'The fact that our party is grossly dissatisfied with the conduct of an election that is the most fraudulent and flawed local government election conducted in the history of Bayelsa State is an under-statement.'

Ebikibina said the AC would turn to the judiciary to seek redress.

'The party hopes and desires to have the anomalies corrected again through the judiciary.

'We, therefore, call on the CJ to constitute the local government election tribunal without further delay as provided in section 85, sub-section 1 of the Local Government Cap L.10, Laws of Bayelsa State.'

He stressed that the excuse that the CJ of the state was not in the country at the present time was not an excuse.

According to the AC chieftain, 'The question posed to us as a party and other Bayelsans is whether our fate now lies in the CJ's itinerary?'

But the party congratulated its candidates in the election for their determination and high spirits, despite the hardship and challenges that they faced during the poll.