Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa state, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has cautioned  political actors and gladiators against hate speeches and  any act that could escalate tensions in the state

The council in a communique issued yesterday  and signed by its President, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, said IYC was of the firm belief that the lives and safety of Ijaw citizens should always supersede political considerations and electoral processes.

To this end, it said it would hold any politicians responsible for any loss of life in the state.

It stated: “As the Bayelsa State election looms on the horizon, we issue a stern caution to political actors and gladiators against any acts that could escalate tensions in the state.

“It is our firm belief that the lives and safety of Ijaw citizens should always supersede political considerations and electoral processes. We shall hold politicians responsible if any Ijaw life is lost during and after the election.

“The IYC shall not fold her arms to see that the existing peace we enjoy in the state is damaged. We advise all politicians to shun hate speeches and focus on telling us their manifestos. Our lives are worth more than any political ambition.”

The council also called on the federal and state governments to prioritise and implement enduring solutions to mitigate against flooding.

It added that this includes the critical construction of various drainage systems to the tributaries that would offload the water to the sea.

The IYC further called on the federal government to initiate comprehensive coastline dredging that would ensure riverine communities whose landscape design is seated below sea level to above sea in order to make the communities safe.

It noted: “The Bola Ahmed-led government must make our abandoned dam in Adamawa and create additional three dams within the flood channel to cushion the effect of flood in subsequent years.

“These dams, when completed and made functional, will not just serve as water reservoirs but as a source of hydropower that will add to the national grid.”