Opokuma (Bayelsa) – The traditional ruler of Opokuma clan in Bayelsa, Chief Okpoitare Diongoli, has urged youths to shun acts capable of disrupting ongoing polling in the governorship contest in the state.
Diongoli made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] in Opokuma on Saturday.
He said rather than engage in hooliganism, the youths should strive to exercise their franchise in a responsible manner and elect the governor of their choice.
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The monarch spoke at the backdrop of reported violence which characterized the election on Saturday in parts of the state, especially in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
“The youths should maintain the peace and exercise their franchise in a matured manner.
“ This is democracy and it guarantees freedom of expression and freedom to elect whoever they so desire.
“ There is no point for any violence. Democracy demands that people should go the electoral process in a peaceful manner because in the end, one of the candidates will emerge victorious,” he said.
He disclosed that accreditation and voting were peaceful and orderly in his area.
He said though the card reader did not recognize his fingerprint, it did for his wife and other voters in his unit.
“The turnout was impressive and the electorate showed much enthusiasm during the exercise,“ Diongoli said. [NAN]