2019 Elections: NGO sensitises grassroots on violence, cash inducement

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Campaign for Development and Democracy in Bayelsa (CDDB), said it had begun grassroots sensitisation on dangers of cash inducement and violence before and during 2019 general elections.

Director of the organisation, Dr Ekiyor Wilson, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Yenagoa.

He said that the early campaign was necessary to enable the group to reach out to the rural communities in Bayelsa before the elections.

Wilson, who decried the level of disorder in previous elections in the state, said that the enlightenment was aimed at educating all persons, especially the youths on the need to avoid being used by the politicians.

“We have commenced mobilisation of people for a credible and people-focussed democratic and development-driven Bayelsa; we have started consultations with various stakeholders.

“Our focus is on how to bring social change and how to checkmate the issue of snatching of ballot materials by thugs and cash inducement at polling units.

“What should be done for a sustainable democracy not only in Bayelsa but Nigeria at large?

“We want the people of Bayelsa to wake up in order to choose their leaders in the forthcoming elections,” he said.

On ongoing continuous voter registration, the director called on all eligible voters to avail themselves of the opportunity and register.

He said that the registration would qualify them to be vote and be voted for in the 2019 polls.