According to Mr. Paul, though the ex-militant youths and their leaders have embraced the Federal Government Amnesty deal, and vowed to sustain the existing peace under the present administration, pressure is being mounted on the youths of the State to carry out violence.
Prominent ex-militant leader in Bayelsa State, Eris Paul, also known as General Ogunboss, has declared that the ex-militant leaders and youths from the existing eight Local Government Councils of the State are not for hire to politicians plotting to perpetuate violence ahead of the December 5th Governorship election.
According to Mr. Paul, though the ex-militant youths and their leaders have embraced the Federal Government Amnesty deal, and vowed to sustain the existing peace under the present administration, pressure is being mounted on the youths of the State to carry out violence.
Mr. Paul, while speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, said the ex-militant leaders in the State are resolved to be non-partisan.
On the animosity shown toward some ex-militant leaders in the State over their open support for some politicians and their political parties, Mr. Paul said such anger is unwarranted and misplaced because "they are free to socialize and wine with any person of their choice, and should not be termed as having a different political belief."
"Whether PDP or APC, they are all political platforms competing for a position, but what is most important is what binds us together as Ijaws and Bayelsans, and our coexistence together,” he said.
He noted that Bayelsans must tolerate each other and seek non-violent approaches to decide who becomes the next Governor of Bayelsa State. He also advised youth of the State not to be used as political thugs.
The ex-militant leader urged all well meaning indigenes of Bayelsa State not to fear for the future, "the State shall overcome, as the future is bright despite is present challenges.”