27-07-19

PRESS RELEASE

PEACEFUL & CREDIBLE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION 2019 AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN BAYELSA STATE – BUILDING CONSENSUS THROUGH THE IJAW CHARTER AND IJAW NATION CODE OF ETHICS, LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE (CELG)

We refer to the above subject and the related workshop organized by the Ijaw Elders Forum, Lagos (IEF) led coalition held at De Gracious Event Center, Yenagoa on the 22nd of May 2019. The workshop was well attended by eminent personalities and key stakeholders including politicians led by His Excellency, Dr. Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and The Governor of Bayelsa State ably represented by The Deputy Governor His Excellency Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd). The workshop came up with a communique that was widely circulated.

All participants unanimously condemned the use of violence and shedding of blood during elections and canvassed for a transparent and credible leadership selection process in the run up to the Bayelsa State Governorship election.

The message was clearly sent out that violence in any form before, during and after the forthcoming Governorship election in the state will not be tolerated. It was agreed that the IEF-led coalition should step up and sustain the process of sensitizing Elders, Youths, Aspirants including all relevant Stakeholders to embrace the resolutions and ideals canvassed during the workshop.

As part of our efforts to achieve the set objectives of violence-free, credible and transparent leadership selection process in the forthcoming Governorship election in Bayelsa State, the collaborating group in partnership with the international community and Civil Society organizations have scheduled  a conference with major Stakeholders  on Wednesday 31st July 2019, 12.00 noon at De Gracious Event Center, Yenagoa to strategize and agree on actualizing a violence free, credible and transparent Governorship election in November 2019.

Expected to participate at the conference are the leadership of major political parties, traditional Rulers, Elders/Leaders, Governorship Aspirants, Civil Society organizations, INEC, Security Agencies, IYC, INC, etc.

Efiye Bribena

Secretary Ijaw Elders Forum (IEF) for and on behalf of the collaborating organizations

1. Ijaw Elders Forum (IEF) 2. Ijaw Professionals Association (IPA) 3. Ijaw Nations Forum (INF) 4. G24 Embassara Foundation 5. Ijaw Women Connect (IWC) 6. Center for Democracy and Development (CDD)