Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has implored traditional rulers to steer clear of partisan politics in the 2023 general election.
Governor Diri said the monarchs should rather provide a level playing field for all political parties.
He gave the caution on Thursday during a meeting with the Traditional Rulers in the state at their Council Secretariat in Yenagoa, the state capital.
While urging them not to allow any political party hijack the process to perpetrate electoral fraud, he expressed the hope that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would bring to an end electoral malpractices.
He said: “As custodians of our heritage and culture, it is incumbent on you to provide a level playing field for all political parties in the state to freely canvass for votes in a conducive and peaceful atmosphere.
“We all know that issues like elections fragment brothers, sisters and communities. So, as we approach the 2023 general election, I implore traditional rulers to remain apolitical. Don’t allow any political party hijack the process in your domains to perpetrate electoral fraud. If that happens, while the traditional ruler sits in the comfort of his home, his recognition will be withdrawn.
“You have been recognised in your various kingdoms as custodians of our heritage and culture. In Bayelsa State, you have been performing administrative duties, working closely with council chairmen.
“I had directed the local government chairmen to involve traditional rulers in their monthly security council meetings. Our security architecture has been rejigged and for the past month crime rate has reduced.”
Responding to issues raised by the chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, who is the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Diri said collaborative efforts between the state government and security agencies on improving security on land and waterways were yielding results, particularly in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw local government areas.
On the dearth of teachers in schools in rural areas, the governor directed the Commissioner for Education, Gentle Emelah, to ascertain the number of teachers in urban schools and ensure a balance with their counterparts in rural areas.
Diri, who also approved the renovation of the traditional rulers’ secretariat through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and assured that government would look into other issues of review of stipends, running costs and provision of utility vehicles.
Earlier in his remarks, King Bubaraye Dakolo applauded the developmental strides of the administration, particularly in the execution of people-oriented projects across the state.
King Dakolo, who pledged the monarch’s support to the administration, also highlighted a number of issues bordering on security, education and other concerns of the council.