The Paramount Ruler of Koluama Kingdom in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, King Solomon Ebifatei Edi-Mangi, Kolu XI, Ibenanawei of Koluama Kingdom, has denied any involvement in the alleged endorsement of any governorship candidate ahead of the November 11 poll in the state.

Edi-Mangi said that the monarch as the custodian of culture and traditions of the people had consistently maintained a position of neutrality when it comes to politics.

The revered traditional ruler, who was reacting to unfounded claims made by some unscrupulous politicians on the social media, said he had not endorsed any political candidate for the upcoming election in the state.

According to him, he believes that it is his sacred duty to ensure that the cultural heritage and values of the people of Koluama Kingdom are preserved, and he has never let political affiliations interfere with his responsibilities.

He also pointed out that the purported endorsement that had been circulating on social media is nothing more than a figment of imagination of the orchestrators and should be disregarded.

He insisted that he is a firm advocate of peace and unity in Bayelsa State and called on all political actors and their followers to embrace peace and shun violence as the people work together to build a progressive Bayelsa.

King Edi-Mangi stated: “We should put aside our differences and come together for the greater good of our state.

“Violence and division only hinder our progress. Let us focus on the issues that truly matter – the development and prosperity of Bayelsa.”

He also extended a warm note to those who might have been misled or misunderstood the situation, appreciating the interest and passion that people have for the political process but urged them to channel that energy into positive and constructive endeavours that benefit the entire community.

The Ibenanawei of Koluama Kingdom restated his firm commitment to his role as a symbol of unity and culture and called on everyone to stand together in the spirit of peace and progress, stressing that Bayelsa State’s future is bright, and together, they could achieve great things for the state.

Meanwhile, the immediate former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Timipre Sylva, took his election campaigns to Koluama, Otuan, and Amassoma Town, all in Southern Ijaw LGA.

Accompanied by his running mate, Great Joshua MacIver, the APC chairman, Barrister Dennis Otiotio, and members of the Sylva/Maclver campaign train.

The campaign train was warmly received in the Palace of HRM, King Solomon Ebifatei Edi-Mangi, Kolu XI, Ibenanaowei of Koluama Kingdom with all Amanaoweis of the clan.

The traditional ruler highlighted Chief Sylva’s past achievements when he was governor of the state and prayed for his success in the coming guber poll.

Chief Sylva appreciated the people of Koluama, Otuan, and Amassoma for their support in his election bid, assuring them that when elected into office, his administration would attract developments such as infrastructural development, quality education, power supply, and human capital development.

However, he was given the assurance of getting massive votes in the area by some prominent men in the community.