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 is 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 communique describes it as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
It says the matter concerns the interests, unity and welfare of the Creek communities and called for justice, equity, fairness and respect for the rule of law.
The communiqué explains that the removal was part of what it described as a pattern of controversial removals of political representatives from the Creek axis of the constituency.
It notes that Sagbama Local Government Area has three constituencies and that the chairmanship position has traditionally rotated among them.
According to the communique, the stakeholders cite the previous cases of Banabas Edure and Barrister Columbus, alleging that their removals had created a feeling of political marginalisation among the Creek communities.
It demands 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
The group also question 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 insist that if the chairman committed any offence under the Bayelsa State Local Government Law, 2000, the appropriate legal process should be followed.
It also questions the involvement of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, saying the matter should be handled in line with the law and due process.
According to the communique, the stakeholders express concern over what they described as disregard for court orders, warning that such actions could undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions.
It calls 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 communique also appeals to the state government not to allow political differences to result in victimisation or intimidation of Senator Dickson and his supporters.
It urges 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.
The stakeholders further appeal to the Deputy Governor and other political leaders to promote unity among the Creek people and avoid actions that could divide the communities.
It states that despite their opposition to the removal, the stakeholders urge youths and political supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the matter should be pursued through lawful and constitutional means.
