Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has stated that his administration has no plans to stop any group from holding rallies in the state.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 158th State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, Diri reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the Nigerian Constitution and respecting the fundamental rights of individuals. However, he emphasized that the peace and security of the state would not be compromised.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor said:
“Let me make this clear. We are not a government that goes against the rule of law. We cherish and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And in so doing, we abide by every bit of the Constitution.”
Addressing concerns about rallies in Bayelsa, Diri pointed out that while the federal government had imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State, Bayelsa remained committed to maintaining peace.
“Bayelsa and Rivers are sister states, and whatever happens there has some degree of effect on our state and vice versa. Now, some persons are talking about holding a mega rally here. We are not yet in a political season. I am not stopping anybody from exercising their fundamental human rights, but as the chief security officer of the state, I have information at my disposal, and I must ensure the peace of the state is maintained. Nobody should come and disrupt the peace and security of this state.”
Diri further stressed that proper protocols must be followed before holding rallies, including notifying the state government. He cited the example of First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who formally informed the state government ahead of her scheduled visit on Thursday at the invitation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
He urged the people of Bayelsa to turn out en masse to give the First Lady a warm reception.
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