Bayelsa West Youths Reject Alice Tangi’s Suspension as Sagbama Council Chair

Youth leaders in Bayelsa West have condemned the suspension of the Executive Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area, Mrs Alice Tangi Allen, describing the action as undemocratic and a violation of the rule of law.

The Coordinator of the Ofurumapepe Youths Group, Bayelsa West, Hon. Preye Okoriye, made the position known in a statement on the controversy surrounding the council chairman’s suspension.

Okoriye said the development was particularly troubling because Tangi Allen, the only female local government chairman among Bayelsa State’s eight councils, was suspended despite an existing court order restraining moves to remove her from office.

He urged the Bayelsa State Government and other authorities involved in the matter to respect the subsisting court order and resolve the disagreement through lawful and constitutional channels.

According to him, democratic institutions must operate within the limits of the law, regardless of political differences.

Okoriye described the suspension as a setback to democratic principles, arguing that elected officials should be allowed to discharge their mandates without undue political interference.

He also questioned the petitions reportedly submitted by four councillors against the council chairman, insisting that the allegations should first be properly investigated before any administrative or punitive measures are taken.

The youth leader maintained that the situation in Sagbama should not be allowed to degenerate into a broader political crisis capable of threatening peace and democratic stability in the local government.

He called on the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and the state government to uphold the rule of law and ensure that all parties to the dispute were given the opportunity to seek redress through appropriate legal channels.

Okoriye also appealed to political leaders, community stakeholders and residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could heighten tension in the area.

He stressed that the people of Sagbama deserved good governance, political stability and respect for their democratic choices.

The youth leader urged all parties to place the interests of the people above political considerations and uphold justice, fairness and due process in resolving the controversy surrounding Tangi Allen’s suspension.