Elders and stakeholders in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have condemned the suspension of the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Mrs. Alice Tangi Allen, describing the development as undemocratic and unacceptable.
The stakeholders also questioned the deployment of police officers and soldiers to seal the chairman’s office, describing the action as a development that raises concerns about democratic governance and the rule of law.
The controversy has continued to generate reactions across Sagbama, particularly because Tangi Allen is the only female local government council chairman among the eight local government areas in Bayelsa State.
Reacting to the development, the Bayelsa State Caucus Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Oyovwi Osusu, described the suspension as unconstitutional.
Osusu argued that the Bayelsa State House of Assembly lacked the constitutional authority to suspend the Sagbama council chairman.
He alleged that the House of Assembly was aware of an existing court order restraining the impeachment or removal of Tangi Allen, but proceeded with the suspension despite the order.
According to him, the newly sworn-in Acting Chairman, who is from Sagbama Constituency 3, could face legal consequences over the development, including possible imprisonment.
He also argued that the petition against Tangi Allen did not have sufficient legal basis to warrant her removal or suspension.
Similarly, the NDC Caucus Chairman in Sagbama Local Government Area, Hon. Salo Adikumo, called on the Bayelsa State Government and the State House of Assembly to uphold democratic principles and respect the rule of law.
Adikumo expressed concern that the development could undermine democratic institutions in the state.
He maintained that the purported decision of the State House of Assembly was invalid, insisting that Tangi Allen remained the duly elected Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area.
Also speaking, Hon. Michael Magbisa and High Chief Victor Okubonanbo described the petitions signed by four councillors against the council chairman as baseless.
They argued that the four councillors did not constitute a majority of the council and, therefore, could not, in their view, initiate a valid process for the removal of the chairman.
The duo described the development as an attempt to victimise the people of Sagbama Constituency 2, alleging that residents of the local government area were unhappy with the situation.
They further alleged that the petitions against the council chairman were not subjected to proper investigation before the suspension, describing the development as politically motivated.
The stakeholders called on relevant authorities to respect the rule of law and ensure that democratic processes are not undermined in resolving the disagreement surrounding the leadership of Sagbama Local Government Area.
