The political crisis in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has deepened, with stakeholders representing 15 Creek communities in Sagbama Constituency 2 rejecting the purported removal of the council chairman, Hon. Alice Tangi Allen, and demanding her immediate return to office.
In a communiqué issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, the stakeholders described the development as unconstitutional and politically motivated, warning that the removal could further deepen what they perceive as the political marginalisation of the Creek communities.
The group said the controversy was part of a broader pattern involving the removal of political representatives from the Creek axis of Constituency 2 under circumstances they considered questionable.
According to the stakeholders, Sagbama Local Government Area comprises three constituencies, with the chairmanship position traditionally rotating among them. They alleged that the Creek axis had repeatedly raised concerns over the premature removal of its representatives.
They cited the previous cases of Hon. Banabas Edure and Barrister Columbus, arguing that their controversial exits had contributed to a growing sense of political exclusion among the Creek communities.
Questions Over Circumstances of Removal
The stakeholders demanded full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding Tangi Allen’s purported removal, particularly amid speculation that her alleged refusal to defect to the ruling political platform in the state may have influenced the decision.
They also questioned whether her perceived political relationship with former Bayelsa Governor and serving Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, had any bearing on the development.
The group insisted that if the council chairman had committed any offence under the Bayelsa State Local Government Law, 2000, the appropriate legal and constitutional procedures should be followed.
They equally raised questions over the alleged involvement of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, arguing that any action concerning the council chairman should be subjected to the prescribed legal process.
The stakeholders further expressed concern over what they described as the Assembly’s alleged disregard for interlocutory injunctions, warning that failure by public institutions to respect court orders could undermine the rule of law and establish a dangerous precedent for democratic governance.
Call for Tangi’s Reinstatement
The group called on Governor Douye Diri to review the circumstances surrounding Tangi Allen’s purported removal and restore her to office pending the determination of the matter by the appropriate legal authorities.
They also appealed to the state government not to treat Senator Dickson as a political rival or enemy, stressing that political differences should not result in victimisation, intimidation or persecution of his supporters.
The stakeholders urged leaders of the 15 Creek communities to discourage harassment and intimidation of citizens on account of their political affiliations.
They also appealed to the government to avoid coercing citizens into supporting any particular political party or candidate ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Appeal for Unity
The group called on the Deputy Governor and other political leaders to promote unity among the Creek people and avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the communities.
They demanded that the state government publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding Tangi Allen’s purported removal and demonstrate that the action was not politically motivated.
Despite their strong opposition to the development, the stakeholders urged youths and political supporters across the Creek communities to remain calm and law-abiding, insisting that the dispute should be pursued through lawful and constitutional channels.
They reaffirmed that the people of the Creek communities deserved “justice, equity, fairness, inclusion and respect for the rule of law.”
The communiqué was signed on behalf of the stakeholders by High Chief Alade Agua, Hon. Godsave Aladei, Ph.D., Dr. Engr. Dio Wenaoere, Richard Perekeme, Esq., Snr. Comd. Desire T. Ekade, and Hon. Koribokiri Yahya James.
