NEWS
Sagbama Stakeholders Condemn Suspension of Council Chairman, Insist Alice Tangi Allen Remains in Office as She’s the Only Female Council Chairperson
Elders and stakeholders of Sagbama Local Government Area in Bayelsa State have strongly condemned the suspension of the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Mrs. Alice Tangi Allen, describing the development as undemocratic, unconstitutional and a dangerous affront to the principles of democracy.
The controversy surrounding the suspension has continued to generate widespread reactions across Sagbama, with stakeholders expressing concern over the political and legal implications of the decision.
The development has attracted even greater attention because Hon. Tangi Allen is the only female Local Government Council Chairman among the eight Local Government Areas in Bayelsa State, making the unfolding political situation a major talking point across the state.
Reacting to the development, the Bayelsa State Caucus Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Dr. Oyovwi Osusu, faulted the action of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, maintaining that the legislature lacks the constitutional authority to suspend the elected Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area.
Dr. Osusu argued that the suspension was carried out despite an existing court order restraining the impeachment or removal of Hon. Alice Tangi Allen. He maintained that the decision to proceed with the suspension in the face of the court order raised serious questions about respect for the rule of law and constitutional governance.
He also warned that the newly sworn-in Acting Chairman, who hails from Sagbama Constituency 3, could face legal consequences, including possible imprisonment, depending on the outcome of legal proceedings surrounding the matter.
According to him, the petition against Hon. Tangi Allen does not possess sufficient legal grounds to justify either her removal or suspension from office.
Also speaking, 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 protect democratic institutions and strictly adhere to the rule of law.
Adikumo expressed concern that the unfolding political crisis could weaken democratic principles if constitutional procedures and judicial orders are ignored.
He insisted that the purported decision of the State House of Assembly could not override the mandate given to Hon. Alice Tangi Allen by the people, maintaining that she remains the duly elected Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area.
Similarly, Hon. Michael Magbisa and High Chief Victor Okubonanbo dismissed the petitions reportedly signed by four councillors against the council chairman, describing them as baseless and insufficient to trigger a valid impeachment process.
The duo argued that four councillors do not constitute the required majority of the council and, therefore, cannot legitimately initiate or sustain a process aimed at removing the chairman from office.
They further described the development as an attempt to victimize the people of Sagbama Constituency 2, stressing that residents of the local government area are deeply unhappy with the political situation.
According to the stakeholders, the petitions against the Sagbama Local Government Council Chairman were not subjected to proper investigation before actions were taken, a development they believe points to political motivation rather than a genuine effort to uphold accountability.
The stakeholders have now called on relevant authorities to respect existing court orders, uphold the rule of law and ensure that democratic institutions are not undermined in the course of resolving the political disagreement.
As the controversy continues to unfold, attention is expected to remain focused on the legal battle and the next steps by the Bayelsa State Government, the House of Assembly and other parties involved in the Sagbama political crisis.