The Bayelsa State Government on Friday made it clear that it would not accord any form of recognition to communities that are purportedly created but not gazetted in line with its Chieftaincy and Community Law.
The state Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made this known during a meeting with the Ibenanaowei of Tungbo-Ibe, His Royal Highness Pere Coleman Agbalalah and the leadership of Tungbo Community led by the Amananaowei, His Royal Highness Amos Poubinafa, in Government House, Yenagoa.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo said the present administration would not fold its arms and watch people violate with impunity the state Chieftaincy and Community Law by creating autonomous communities for themselves without recourse to the law.
According to him, the state government’s position is informed by the myriad of unnecessary problems including threat to security such haphazard and illegal creation of communities has caused government in the past.
The Deputy Governor noted that some measures were being put in place to strengthen the enforcement of the Chieftaincy and Community Law, stressing that no community’s law or constitution is superior to it.
While promising to read through the Tungbo Clan Constitution with a view to making certain prescriptions, he told the Ibenanaowei to put the planned balkanization and election of paramount rulers for the four quarters in Tungbo Community in abeyance till further notice.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who described King Agbalalah and His Royal Highness Poubinafa as respected citizens of the state, appealed to them and their supporters to embrace peace and forgiveness and work together for the progress of their kingdom.
His words: “I really want to appeal that for now, your intention to conduct elections in those four communities should be kept in abeyance. Don’t do that now because the Tungbo Constitution cannot override the state Chieftaincy and Community Law”.
“Just as the state Chieftaincy and Community Law cannot override the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution that have to do with the administration of local governments and communities, that is how no community law can override the state laws”.
“So, even if Tungbo Constitution says those communities are there, so far as they are not gazetted according to the Chieftaincy and Community Law, those communities will not be recognised”.
“I don’t want you to go on a voyage that will create a conflict between you and the government. Those communities cannot get paramount rulers (Amananaotu) approved by government. We will not allow a situation where people will treat our laws as mere pieces of paper.”
In their separate remarks, the Member representing Sagbama Constituency Three at the state House of Assembly, Hon Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Perekeme Bertola, advised both leaders to be mindful of fifth columnists and prioritize the interest of their community.
Others who made contributions at the reconciliation meeting include the Commissioner for Community Development,Hon. Alfred Belmote Watson, his Special Duties (Bayelsa West) counterpart, Mr Michael Magbisa, the Chairperson of Sagbama LGa, Mrs Alice Allen, the CDC Chairman of Tungbo, Mr Karebai, Women Leader, Madam Rose Macaulay and the Youth President, Mr Ebipadei Ebrakumo.