PDP primaries: Security beef-up in Bayelsa

Security has been beefed up in Bayelsa State as President Goodluck Jonathan is expected at the gubernatorial primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Governor Timipre Sylva, who is the leading candidate, is expected to slug it out with 12 other aspirants at the primaries scheduled for the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.

Many of the aspirants may however shun the primaries as Sylva apparently has control of the party's delegates from the primaries so far conducted.

Investigation revealed that following recent bomb blasts, killing and violence at political rallies, the state government is not leaving anything to chance as it has concluded plans to ensure all security outfits in the state are deployed to provide security.

According to investigation, the government wants to avoid a situation where those who lost out in the primaries ganging-up to cause chaos in the state.

The Nigeria Police, the State Security Service (SSS) and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) are expected to be on ground to prevent any untoward happening. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Emoakpe Eguavoen, said the police and other security agencies have deployed men to strategic locations in and around the venue. Meanwhile, two House of Representatives members and a serving Senator have lost their bid to return the National Assembly.

Donald Egberibin representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency lost to Henry Ofongo while the House Committee Chairman on Justice, Seriake Dickson, who shunned the primaries held at the Sports Complex, citing non-compliance with the guidelines of the party. He lost to Mr Ofoni Williams.

Senator Barigha Nimi-Amange representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District lost to Mr Clever Ikisipo, who represents the Ogbia Federal constituency. Sources said some of the aggrieved members who lost out have petitioned the national secretariat of the party while others are contemplating moving to another party to actualize their ambition.