Politicians Behind Election Violence In Bayelsa - Civil Society

The Nigerian civil society situation room monitoring the Bayelsa polls said that politicians are majorly responsible for the violence that erupted from the election.

On Sunday, December 6, findings by thew situation room made up of more than 70 different civil society groups had it that poor security arrangements led to the lapses and breach of security which in turn led to violence
It stated: “Situation Room findings indicate that political parties stoked the fires of violence in the state during this election leading to incidents of violent clashes between their supporters, occasioning deaths, injury and mayhem,” it said, adding that the conduct of the politicians defied the peace accord they signed ahead of the poll.
“Situation Room is also disappointed with political leaders in the state whose conduct, carriage and disposition encouraged aggressive behavior and violence on the part of their supporters.
“Although certain areas in the state had been previously identified as high risk areas, security agencies (particularly the police) did not deploy effectively to reflect this, making it difficult for INEC to be provided adequate security to deploy personnel across the state.”
In addition to its stance. It further corroborated its stance saying:
“The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room is concerned about the lapses on the part of INEC and security agencies in the conduct of the December 5 Bayelsa governorship election
“The lack of synergy between INEC and the security agencies may have resulted in some of the challenges associated with the election, including late delivery of materials, security breaches and failure of election to hold in the identified local governments areas, wards and polling units.”