Bayelsa election: Dozens of protesters demand removal of state police commissioner

In Yenagoa, the state capital of Bayelsa, dozens of female protestors have surrounded the police command, demanding that Commissioner of Police Tolani Alausa be fired.

The demonstrators said that Alausa’s resignation would guarantee the police’s impartiality and peaceful elections in Bayelsa State.

Wearing all-black clothes, the women pleaded with President Bola Tinubu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to make sure that the people’s ballots are counted.

Alice Daniels, one of the women, stated: “All we are requesting is a state election free of violence.”

“Can’t we just peacefully cast our ballots for the candidate of our choice? We desire a non-aggressive workout. We should be able to vote for the people we want to and the police should protect us.

According to Ms. Daniels, “this shouldn’t be like other elections where people manipulate elections.”

Human rights activist Timitimi Ebipador was among the demonstrators who pleaded with the police and other security services to “properly oversee” the electoral process.

“We are appealing to you for the conduct of a peaceful election; we want a peaceful process,” the woman stated.

“You should not meddle in the election process; instead, you should be in charge of ensuring our safety and security.

Read Also: Ekiti is prepared to host 64th National Council on Health

We implore you to keep us safe; after the exercise, we want our husbands, kids, and even brothers to be safe.

“It has happened to us multiple times. It was tainted by violence in 2015 and 2019, although no one has been charged with a crime or put in jail as of yet.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Sokari Pedro greeted the demonstrators and promised a calm election on Saturday.