Stakeholders from the 15 Creek communities in Sagbama Constituency 2, Bayelsa State, have condemned the purported removal of the Executive Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area, Hon. Alice Tangi Allen, describing the action as unconstitutional, politically motivated and procedurally questionable.
According to a communiqué issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, and 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, the Creek communities demanded that Allen be restored to office pending the determination of the matter through due process and competent legal authorities.
The stakeholders said their position followed a careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding the purported removal of the chairman, insisting that the development had raised serious concerns about the rule of law, democratic governance and the political representation of the Creek axis.
They noted that Sagbama Local Government Area comprises three constituencies and alleged that there had been an established political practice of rotating the chairmanship among the constituencies.
The stakeholders argued that while Constituency 1 and other parts of the local government had had their respective turns, the Creek axis of Sagbama Constituency 2 had continued to raise concerns over what they described as a pattern of premature removal of its representatives.
They recalled previous cases involving Hon. Bananas Edure and Barr. Columbus, alleging that their removal under controversial circumstances had remained a source of concern among residents of the Creek communities.
According to them, the latest development involving Allen had heightened concerns about what they described as political marginalisation and oppression of the Creek people.
The stakeholders demanded clarification on the circumstances surrounding Allen’s purported removal, particularly allegations that her refusal to defect to the ruling political platform in the state may have influenced the decision.
They also questioned whether the development was connected to her perceived loyalty and relationship with the former Governor and serving Senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
The group insisted that if Allen had committed any offence under the Bayelsa State Local Government Law, 2000, the prescribed legal procedure should be followed.
The stakeholders also raised concerns over the alleged involvement of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, questioning the legal basis for the legislature’s involvement in matters they argued should be subjected to due process and the applicable local government laws.
They further expressed concern over allegations that the State House of Assembly proceeded with its action despite a subsisting court order allegedly restraining the parties from taking further steps in the matter.
The stakeholders warned that disregard for court orders or circumvention of legally prescribed procedures could undermine the rule of law and weaken democratic institutions.
They therefore called on the Bayelsa State Government to respect due process and relevant laws governing local government administration, while condemning what they described as legislative overreach, impunity or interference with the statutory responsibilities of elected local government officials.
The stakeholders also called on the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State to review the circumstances surrounding Allen’s purported removal and restore her to office pending the determination of the matter through lawful means.
They appealed to the state government not to regard Senator Dickson as a political rival or enemy, stressing that political differences should not be used as a basis for victimisation, intimidation or persecution of his supporters.
The group also urged the leadership of the 15 Creek communities to discourage harassment, intimidation or persecution of Senator Dickson’s supporters or any other citizen on the basis of political affiliation.
They called on the state government to refrain from coercing or intimidating individuals into supporting any political party or candidate against their will, particularly ahead of forthcoming elections.
The stakeholders further urged the Deputy Governor and other political leaders to promote unity among the Creek people and avoid actions capable of creating division within the communities.
They demanded transparency from the state government on the circumstances surrounding Allen’s purported removal, urging authorities to demonstrate that the action was not politically motivated.
Despite their concerns, the stakeholders called on residents, particularly youths and political supporters, to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding.
They urged the people of the Creek communities to pursue justice through lawful and constitutional channels and resist attempts to provoke violence, division or disorder.
The stakeholders reaffirmed that the Creek people deserved justice, equity, fairness, inclusion and respect for the rule of law, urging all relevant authorities to uphold the principles of democracy, constitutionalism and due process.
