A non-governmental organisation, Bayelsa Women Arise Organization, has condemned violence in Bayelsa State ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship election, urging President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies to ensure a peaceful exercise on the D-Day.
The women also called for justice for the victims of previous election-related violence in the state.
The women and youth, led by prominent community and civil society leaders, gathered in Yenagoa, the state capital, to embark on a peace walk. The event was marked by a display of solidarity, resilience and a strong commitment to a peaceful and just electoral process in the state.
During the walk, the participants carried banners and placards with messages such as ‘Peaceful Elections for Bayelsa,’ ‘Justice for the Victims,’ and ‘Stop Election Violence.’ They chanted slogans calling for an end to the electoral turmoil that has plagued the state in the past.
Leading the women, Professor Faith Aminikpo expressed the collective voice of the group, which was tired of witnessing violence during elections.
She said: “We, the women of Bayelsa, are taking a stand for peace. We demand that the upcoming governorship election on November 11 should be conducted without violence.
“We have seen the suffering and pain caused by election-related violence, and we refuse to accept this as the norm. We cannot quickly forget the victims of the previous election violence that has been witnessed in our state, particularly in the 2015 and 2019 governorship elections.
“Today, we are yet to get justice for victims of the mindless killing by desperate politicians and their thugs, including those of Simon Otor in Ekeremor local government, Mr Abule of Southern Ijaw local government, Philip Ochikya, Menoze Peter in Yenagoa, ThankGod Michael, Isaac Gift, among many others.”
The group acknowledged the efforts of the incumbent administration in the state to foster peace among the citizens, which in turn, has greatly impacted the peaceful atmosphere currently being witnessed.
The women stressed the need for the security agencies and stakeholders to consolidate on the state government’s efforts ahead of the forthcoming election.
This claim, the group said, was confirmed in the last general election in the state where for the first time in a long time, the state recorded no election-related death.
“We also call upon President Bola Tinubu to use his influence and authority to ensure that this election is conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner. We believe that it is in the best interest of our beloved state and its citizens that we have a peaceful democratic process,” Professor Aminikpo said.
The organization also used the opportunity to call for justice for the victims of past election violence in Bayelsa State, emphasising the importance of accountability and a fair legal process to address the issues. They stressed that without justice, there can’t lasting peace.
The peace walk received widespread attention and support from various sections of society, including civil society organizations, local leaders, students, youth and members of the international community. It also served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for peace, stability, and justice in the build-up to the upcoming governorship election.
Bayelsa Women Arise vowed to continue advocating for peace and justice in Bayelsa State, just as they encouraged all stakeholders to join them in their quest for a peaceful electoral process and the restoration of justice for past victims of election violence in the state.
