TheCable

Seriake Dickson, Bayelsa state governor, has called for the arrest of politicians who are allegedly sponsoring killings in various parts of the country.

Dickson made call when Abubakar Alhassan, flag officer commanding the central naval command, visited him in Yenagoa, the state capital.

In a statement by Fidelis Soriwei, the governor’s spokesman, Dickson was quoted as saying such politicians should be treated as “common” criminals.

“It is our position in this state that crime is crime and security agencies should arrest and treat political leaders who are sponsoring criminals as common criminals because that is what they are,” he was quoted as saying.

He called on the naval authorities to intensify efforts to improve maritime security in Bayelsa.

The governor also enjoined the Navy to combat the challenge of sea piracy, kidnapping, oil theft, vandalism and related maritime crimes.

“I count on you to combat and bring down to the barest minimum, the cases of piracy in the waters, cases of kidnapping, the oil theft, the vandalism of strategic national assets and so forth,” he added

He said his administration remains committed to enforcing law and order “because of the need to preserve the foundation for peace, security, stability and development in Bayelsa.”

While commending the navy for their efforts in seeming the scourge of sea piracy in Koluama in southern Ijaw local government area, he added: “I wish to inform you we intend working with you to support the establishment of another outpost at the Oluasiri end at the Eastern part and we also need a strong naval presence at Agge in the West.

“If there is any arm of our nation’s security system whose strength is critical to the maintenance of stability, it is the Navy; so this state will continue to partner with the Nigerian navy.”