Former Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, has warned politicians and their supporters against any attempt to intimidate voters or disrupt democratic participation ahead of the next election in the state.
Dickson issued the warning while reacting to a series of endorsement meetings reportedly held across Ekeremor Local Government Area in support of his political ambition and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the former governor, more than 300 serving and former youth presidents from communities across Ekeremor have endorsed his leadership and pledged their support for NDC candidates.
He said similar consultations were ongoing across the senatorial district, involving community leaders, elders, women, youths and student groups.
Dickson, however, shifted attention from the endorsements to what he described as attempts by desperate politicians to intimidate voters and undermine democratic participation.
He alleged that some individuals could seek to deploy security agencies and political thugs to frighten voters or influence election outcomes.
“Let me be clear: no one will be allowed to intimidate voters in their communities in Bayelsa State in the next election,” Dickson said.
The former governor urged NDC members and other stakeholders to remain peaceful while encouraging voters to participate fully in the electoral process and lawfully protect their votes.
Dickson also cautioned against the emergence of a one-party state, insisting that Nigeria and its constituent states must retain a competitive political environment where citizens can freely choose their leaders.
He further called on youths, women and community leaders to resist intimidation and use their votes to reject leaders they consider oppressive.
The former governor expressed appreciation to his supporters for their confidence and mobilisation, promising to return to Bayelsa soon to personally engage with stakeholders and strengthen consultations ahead of the campaigns.
