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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Bayelsa Governor Sacks Ruler, Dissolves Chiefs Council Over Community Violence

From ThisDay · (10m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has sacked the paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri Community and dissolved its traditional council, CDC, and youth body.
  • The action follows a violent dispute that resulted in loss of life and arson attacks, leading to a curfew.
  • Governor Diri has directed the police to apprehend all culprits and has appointed an interim committee to oversee the community's affairs.

The recent violent eruption in Ogboinbiri Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, has forced a decisive intervention from the Bayelsa State government. Governor Douye Diri's swift action to remove the paramount ruler, Chief Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo, and dissolve the community's leadership structures reflects the gravity of the situation and the government's intolerance for continued lawlessness.

Security is everyone’s business.

— Governor Douye DiriEmphasizing the collective responsibility for maintaining security in the state.

For years, Ogboinbiri has been plagued by intractable conflicts, often linked to disputes over the sharing of proceeds from oil companies operating in the area. Governor Diri's frustration is palpable; he has patiently set up committees and even involved his deputy in mediation efforts, all to no avail. The recent killings and burning of houses demonstrate a disturbing escalation that can no longer be overlooked.

I have been very patient with Ogboinbiri community. Violent disputes had been on for about two to three years now.

— Governor Douye DiriExpressing his long-standing efforts to resolve the conflicts in Ogboinbiri.

By imposing a curfew and directing the police to ensure the apprehension of all those involved, the state government is sending a clear message: peace and security are paramount. The appointment of an interim committee is a temporary measure to restore order and pave the way for a more sustainable resolution.

The paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri is hereby sacked as he was yet to be recognised by the state government. I was waiting for peace to be restored for us to recognise him but, unfortunately, l am very sure he cannot hold that community together. We must say no to the evil acts in Ogboinbiri.

— Governor Douye DiriAnnouncing the dismissal of the paramount ruler due to the ongoing violence.

This situation highlights a recurring challenge in oil-producing communities where resource wealth often fuels conflict rather than development. Governor Diri's lament that the "peanuts" received by the communities are not worth the bloodshed underscores the need for better resource management and conflict resolution mechanisms. The state government's commitment to justice and restoration of peace in Ogboinbiri is a critical step in addressing these deep-seated issues.

I keep telling them that what they are receiving are peanuts compared to what the oil companies get from Ogboinbiri

— Governor Douye DiriCommenting on the disparity in resource benefits between oil companies and the community.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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