Police declare Bayelsa New PDP chairman wanted

Barely 12 hours after the Bayelsa State government said it has put the former Special Adviser on Security Matters to former Governor Timipre Sylva and the interim chairman of the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) in the state, Chief Richard Perekeme Kpodoh under security watch, the State police command has declared him wanted.

The government in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said that the government has directed relevant security agencies to take appropriate action.

But Kpodo has said that the action of the government was 'intellectually juvenile' and police being a ready tool in the hand of an increasingly intolerant government 'unfortunate'.

Iworiso-Markson stated that some statements credited to the former special adviser as a threat to the existing peace and tranquillity in the State, adding that if not nipped in the bud, was capable of plunging the state into chaos.

The statement reads in part, 'Mr. Kpodoh had in the last couple of days vigorously pursued his inordinate plans by dishing out deliberate falsehood about the Federal and State Governments with a view to creating a state of insecurity and disaffection, using the platform of the so called new PDP, ostensibly to destabilise the home base of Mr. President.

'Government wishes to remind Bayelsans of the antecedents of Mr. Kpodoh and warn vulnerable youths as well as the unsuspecting public to be mindful of this group of disgruntled persons, who are only out to mislead and misinform them as part of their grand design to achieve their selfish motives.

'Piqued by the fact that, the current administration has achieved so much within so short a time, what they couldn't achieve in five years, they have resorted to deliberate blackmail and propaganda.

'As a responsible Government with a clear mandate to provide adequate security for its citizens, this administration will not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or group, no matter their status, that decides to take advantage of the existing peaceful and convivial atmosphere in the State.

'In view of the foregoing, Government wishes to advise law abiding Bayelsans to be wary of the antics of these mischief makers, who are clearly out to use them to attract undue recognition. This Government has a clear vision and cannot be blackmailed by anybody or group all in the name of playing politics.

'Members of the public are therefore, advised to go about their normal duties, as Government is prepared more than ever before to protect lives and property of the citizens.

'Government also wishes to warn that it will spare no effort at ensuring that anyone found wanting is made to face the full wrath of the law'.