BAYELSA State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the reported hostage of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Twon-Brass, headquarters of Brass Local Government Area of the state allegedly on the orders of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in last Saturday governorship election, Chief Timipre Sylva.
The party in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Ebiye Ogoli, said the APC candidate stormed the INEC office on the Brass island on Sunday alleged in a bid to manipulate the result of the election in the local government area.
The electoral officers reportedly resisted his overtures and were consequently held hostage by men believed to be loyal to the former Minister of State (Petroleum).
Meanwhile, reacting to the development, the Commission, via a statement, called on security agencies to rescue its personnel.
However, PDP insists that the action resulted in the killing of one of its young supporters, Berepelenyo George Sibo, allegedly by Mr Sylva’s thugs in Twon-Brass.
The PDP t expressed sadness that the young man’s life was cut short by unconscionable political thugs who were nurtured and encouraged by those who attached no importance to the sanctity of human life.
The party said it was however not surprised about Mr Sylva’s action as it was consistent with his brand of violent politics.
It urged the APC chieftain to reflect on this and the outcome of the election in order to redeem his image, noting that election should not be a do-or-die affair.
Eighteen-Eleven Media