Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, has issued a warning to political figures about the dangers of using extortion and character assassination to gain influence in the state.
In the name of political campaigns, Diri criticized the state's desperate lawmakers for resorting to disparaging the members and candidates of opposition parties.
The governor stated his position on Tuesday night at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa during the service of songs in memory of the late mother of the member of the House of Representatives who represents Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Dr. Fred Agbedi.
Elections will come and go, but the people would still be brothers and sisters, the governor was reported as saying in a statement by his chief press secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah.
He emphasized that loving and appreciating one another was the key to living a long and fulfilling life.
Governor Diri emphasized that nobody could change what had been divinely established for the state as long as authority solely came from God.
Political times are now in effect, and there is a lot of propaganda, deceit, and extortion in the air, he declared. You are unsure who to believe anymore. Mama did not lead a life like that.
"You shouldn't disparage another person's character because you aspire to political position. As I always say, elections will come and go, but we will all continue to be sisters and brothers.
"In my opinion, continuing to express love and gratitude is the finest course to follow and the best approach to leading the kind of life that we are honoring today. Nobody can stop it when God says it is yours; no matter who tries to.