By Samuel Oyadongha

The Bayelsa State Government has urged the Federal Government to ensure that security operatives, particularly the Nigerian Army do not engage in partisan politics, as it was the case in the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 23 in the state.

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Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd) made the appeal weekend in a chat with newsmen shortly after the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, caucus members met with Governor Seriake Dickson in Yenagoa.

Jonah, who condemned the partisan role played by the military officers in favour of the All Progressives Congress, APC, described the action as a major threat to the country’s democracy.

He said, “We are appealing to security agencies to play a more neutral role. We are not saying that the Army should support the PDP or any party. All we are saying is that, our people should be allowed to come out and vote for any candidates of their choice.

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“So that whoever emerges as the winner as prescribed in the electoral law will be accepted by all. Peace is what we are looking for. So we are also appealing to our friends in the APC to give peace a chance.

“Resorting to guns and other dangerous weapons will not help us. We are hearing they are planning to do more but we want to see that as a mere rumour. But if that happens, then that will be very unfortunate.

“The Army should know that in election matters,  it does not play any direct role. It is the police that do that while the Army only plays a supportive role.”

Rear Admiral Jonah also drew the attention of the Federal Government to how security operatives attached to Pipeline Surveillance Contractors have always been used by some politicians against their opponents.