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Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has raised alarm on alleged threats by some people to kill during the Nov. 11 governorship election in the state.

Diri, who did not reveal the identity of those behind the murder plot spoke when he received the recently inaugurated executive of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) at his country home, Sampou in Bayelsa on Sunday.
He, however, told the leadership of IYC that the youths must ensure that the election is violence-free while vowing that he will not spill blood to remain in office.

While explaining the need for the group to remain politically neutral, he urged them to speak up against violence in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

“Election has been a problem in Ijawland. Some people are threatening to kill in the Nov. 11 governorship election but I know as youths you would not allow it.

”We should all join hands to make the election violence-free. I will not spill blood to remain in office.
The struggle continues to get other homogeneous Ijaw states. So we must keep the fire burning and work hand in glove with the INC in order to leave worthy legacies.

“We will work with you and we hope and pray that the Ijaw nation grows,” Diri said

”We should all join hands to make the election violence-free. I will not spill blood to remain in office.
The struggle continues to get other homogeneous Ijaw states. So we must keep the fire burning and work hand in glove with the INC in order to leave worthy legacies.

“We will work with you and we hope and pray that the Ijaw nation grows,” Diri said.

Diri also urged Ijaw youth leaders to prioritise Ijaw interests, unity and peace to enhance accelerated growth and development of the ethnic group.

He urged the new IYC leadership to place service to Ijawland above any personal consideration, adding that the ethnic group was looking up to them.
He also advised the IYC to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, patience and tolerance for them to go far, saying they are dealing with a bracket of people who are volatile.

Diri said he had given legitimacy to the Lokpobiri-led IYC and pledged to support the executive to enable it succeed.

“Let me on behalf of the government of Bayelsa State congratulate you. For those who lost and are here, I also congratulate you.

”I told you from the beginning that I am a father to all of you and as such I would not support anybody.

“First of all, you have to put Ijaw nation before your personal interest. If you put your interest first, you will not succeed. Live up to your oath and do not be the master,” he said.

He urged them to be the servant in humility, respect and honour.

“We must change our mindset as Ijaw people to learn how to depend on ourselves and be enterprising: