By Aherhoke Okioma
Bayelsa state Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, has lent his voice to the global outcry for the immediate release of the Chibok schoolgirls as the nation marked the 2014 International Children’s Day.
He stated this while addressing the children, who turned up for the occasion at the Government House, adding that the low-key celebration of the annual event was due to the kidnap of the girls by members of the Boko Haram.
He said: “As a result of a few developments in our country, I would also like to use this opportunity to call to order, those evil people in our midst who want to use the children of this country; whoever they may be and wherever they are; who want to use the children of the world to play politics.
“Today, we are sending a clear message to all those who are behind the regrettable and unfortunate kidnapping of our daughters. And to all those, who are behind other atrocities to stop doing that; don’t play politics with terrorism.
“Those who are responsible, including their supporters and financiers should heed the call of the world, because the world has spoken in one accord and in one voice condemning what has happened and I’m calling for their immediate release.”
Describing the abduction of the Chibok girls as “unfortunate and regrettable,” Dickson expressed government’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of children.
In her remarks, wife of the governor, Dr. Rachel Dickson, said as the mother of the state, she would join other well-meaning Nigerians to continue to pray for the safe return of the girls.
