Bayelsa Creek Communities Demand Justice Over Tangi Allen’s Removal

Stakeholders from 15 Creek communities in Sagbama Constituency Two of Bayelsa State have rejected the purported removal of the Sagbama Local Government Area Chairman, Alice Tangi Allen.

This was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by High Chief Alade Agua, Godsave Aladei, Dr. Dio Wenaoere, Richard Perekeme, Comd. Desire Ekade, and Koribokiri Yahya James.
The communiqué described the purported removal as unconstitutional and politically motivated, stressing that the matter concerns the interests, unity and welfare of the Creek communities. It called for justice, equity, fairness and respect for the rule of law.
According to the stakeholders, the removal was part of what they described as a pattern of controversial removals of political representatives from the Creek axis of the constituency.
They noted that Sagbama Local Government Area has three constituencies and that the chairmanship position has traditionally rotated among them.
The communiqué cited previous cases involving Banabas Edure and Barrister Columbus, alleging that their removals had created a feeling of political marginalisation among the Creek communities.
The stakeholders demanded clarification on the circumstances surrounding Tangi Allen’s removal, particularly allegations that her refusal to defect to the ruling political platform may have influenced the decision.
They also questioned whether her political relationship with former Bayelsa Governor and serving Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, played any role in the development.
The stakeholders insisted that if the chairman committed any offence under the Bayelsa State Local Government Law, 2000, the appropriate legal process should be followed.
They further questioned the involvement of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, stressing that the matter should be handled in accordance with the law and due process.
According to the communiqué, the stakeholders expressed concern over what they described as disregard for court orders, warning that such actions could undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions.
They called on Governor Douye Diri to review the circumstances surrounding the purported removal and restore Tangi Allen to office pending the determination of the matter by the appropriate legal authorities.
The communiqué also appealed to the state government not to allow political differences to result in the victimisation or intimidation of Senator Dickson and his supporters.
The stakeholders urged leaders of the Creek communities to discourage political harassment and called on the government not to compel anyone to support a particular political party or candidate ahead of the elections.
They further appealed to the Deputy Governor and other political leaders to promote unity among the Creek people and avoid actions that could divide the communities.
Despite their opposition to the removal, the stakeholders urged youths and political supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the matter should be pursued through lawful and constitutional means.