Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa on Friday advised aspirants in the forthcoming Ijaw National Congress (INC) election to see the exercise as a call to service rather than mere political contest.
A statement from the Chief Press Secretary to Dickson, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the governor gave the advise during a meeting with an expanded Executive Council of the INC at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa.
It also warned former officers not to engage in acts that could threaten the peace, stability, unity and survival of the group in their bid to support candidates of their choice.
?“While people retain their rights to support candidates of their choice, nobody should do anything that could threaten our unity and survival.
“A few days ago, I had cause to authorise an announcement cautioning aspirants to realise that contesting for an office in the INC is a call to duty; it is an opportunity to offer service.
“It is not the same attitude you display when you are contesting for a normal political office.?Ours is an organisation?that stands for service.”?
?“ if people want to test their political strength, they should join political parties and display whatever strategies they have.’’
The statement commended members of the INC and the Election Planning Committee, for their contributions and sacrifices in the service of the people. (NAN)