Bayelsans have been tasked to reject candidates with questionable character and background from being elected in the governorship election coming up later in the year.
Bayelsans were challenged to protect the image of the state by not voting for people whose antecedents will scare investors and development partners from investing in the state.
The fresh appeal was made on Wednesday in a statement issued in Abuja by a group, Network of Bayelsa Professionals (NBP).
The statement signed by their Spokesman, Mr. Deinmobofa Tantua, said Bayelsa as a state yearning for genuine development should not be allowed to be governed by people with an integrity deficit.
It noted that when elected, the horrible past of some of the candidates and their running mates will create a lukewarm attitude for those who are already interested in investing in the state because of the current peace and stability being enjoyed.
The group described Bayelsa as a unique state that deserves to be governed not only by the best brains with genuine concern for the overall development but also with sound character and unblemished record in academic qualifications.
“Let the point be made here that we are not partisan Professionals. We are concerned professionals genuinely pursuing good governance for the good of our state.
“The era of unnecessary political upheavals has in the last four years paved the way for a peaceful atmosphere with the people now operating as one big family. Our prayer is that the people of Bayelsa should build on this peaceful atmosphere created by the current government to open more doors for foreign and local investments.
“With Bayelsa’s unique location coupled with the prevailing peaceful atmosphere and the efforts of the Douye Diri led administration, joblessness, and hunger would soon be reduced in the state”.
The Network of Bayelsa Professionals pleaded with the people to use the November Governorship election to solidify peace, tranquility, and harmony and take the state to greater heights.
They urged the people not to allow the influence of money and material gains to sway them to the wrong side during the gubernatorial election but to remain purposeful and resolute in ensuring the sustainability of the prevailing peace in the state.
