Less than 24 hours before the governorship election in Bayelsa state on Saturday, violence erupted at Twon-Brass jetty in Brass local government area of the state.
PUNCH gathered that supporters of the All Progressives Congress and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party have clashed over electoral materials for voting in the region. As violence erupted, officials from the independent National Electoral Commission stationed themselves in the area and tried to stop the election.
It was not possible to determine whether the election material was about sensitive or non-sensitive topics. Supporters of the two political parties are reported to be divided over the timing of polling stations ahead of tomorrow’s government election.
Some sources claimed that the Chairman of Brass LGA PDP, identified as Bara Daniel, sustained head injuries during the altercation. There were also claims that former Congress leader Victor Isaiah was also involved in the fight.
However, the APC leader, Isaiah, said he had nothing to do with the attack on the PDP and that he intervened to calm tensions. He alleged that the PDP leader threatened APC supporters during a debate on how to secure election materials.
He said: “I was present to observe the material removal process, and although the leader of the Democratic Party made an insulting comment and hurt some people, I was able to calm the situation.”
However, some soldiers eventually intervened and normalcy was restored.
Mr. Hanson Karika Chairman for Brass Local Government Area has strongly condemned the attack on the PDP chairman in Brass LGA.
He asked security personnel to remain vigilant to prevent further violence. When contacted, the Bayelsa Command Police Officer, Asinim Butswat, said DIG Daniel Sokari-Pedro, in charge of state election security, would address the meeting at 4pm tonight.
