By Chimezie Godfrey
The political crisis in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has deepened as stakeholders from 15 Creek communities in Sagbama Constituency 2 rejected the purported removal of the council chairman, Hon. Alice Tangi Allen, demanding her immediate return to office.
The stakeholders described the action as unconstitutional, politically motivated and capable of undermining democratic governance and the rule of law in the state.
In a communiqué issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, the group condemned what it described as a pattern of controversial removals of political representatives from the Creek axis of Sagbama Constituency 2.
They maintained that Sagbama LGA comprises three constituencies, with the chairmanship position traditionally rotating among them, and expressed concern over what they described as the premature removal of representatives from the Creek axis.
The stakeholders cited the previous cases involving Hon. Banabas Edure and Barrister Columbus, alleging that their controversial removals had fuelled a growing perception of political marginalisation of the Creek communities.
They demanded full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding Tangi Allen’s removal, particularly questioning whether her alleged refusal to defect to the ruling political platform in the state was connected to the development.
The group also questioned whether the chairman’s perceived political relationship with former Bayelsa State governor and serving Senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, influenced the decision.
According to the stakeholders, if Tangi Allen committed any offence under the Bayelsa State Local Government Law, 2000, the appropriate legal and constitutional procedures should be followed.
They further questioned the alleged involvement of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in the matter, arguing that the purported removal should be subjected to the prescribed legal process governing local government administration.
The stakeholders also raised concerns over what they described as the Assembly’s alleged defiance of interlocutory injunctions, warning that disregard for court orders and due process could weaken the rule of law and create a dangerous precedent for democratic institutions.
They therefore 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 group also appealed to the state government not to regard Senator Dickson as a political rival or enemy, arguing that political differences should not translate into victimisation, intimidation or persecution of his supporters.
The stakeholders urged the government to refrain from coercing citizens into supporting any political party or candidate ahead of the forthcoming elections.
They also called on leaders of the 15 Creek communities to discourage harassment and intimidation based on political affiliation, while urging the Deputy Governor and other political leaders to promote unity among the Creek people.
The group demanded that the state government clarify the circumstances surrounding Tangi Allen’s purported removal and demonstrate that the decision was not politically motivated.
Despite their opposition to the action, the stakeholders urged youths and political supporters across the Creek communities to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the dispute should be pursued through lawful and constitutional channels.
They said the Creek people deserved “justice, equity, fairness, inclusion and respect for the rule of law.”