From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The removal of the Sagbama Local Government Chairman, Hon. Alice Tangi Allen, has been described as a coup executed against the constitution by sacking an elected chairman and barricaded her office with police and military personnel.
In a statement issued by Comrade Ebikorobo Angalagbenepere Akuamaebi.National Coordinator, Concern Grassroots Ambassadors and made available to our correspondent via email said, democracy in Bayelsa has suffered a devastating blow as a result of the unconstitutional act.
According to Ebikorobo, in an overzealous and unscrupulous act of total lawlessness, “the governor and his deputy have executed an unconstitutional coup against the democratically elected leadership of Sagbama Local Government Area”.
“Hon. Mrs. Alice Tangi Allen, the only second elected female chairman in the 30-year history of Bayelsa State and the only serving elected female chairman, has been unlawfully ousted alongside her Vice, Hon. Sufade Tobi.
“With just eight months remaining in her term, her office was surrounded by military tanks and police officers to forcibly strip her of her mandate.This is a deliberate, desperate attempt to eliminate a strong leader ahead of the upcoming elections.
” Despite being a devoted Pastor and a loyal PDP member, she was handed an ultimatum: defect to the APC or face impeachment. Her refusal to abandon the people who elected her made her a target.
” In defiance of the Judiciary, Hon. Mrs. Alice Tangi secured a clear court order to maintain the status quo. The state leadership completely disregarded the rule of law, deploying military force to override judicial authority.
“The Deputy Governor, who hypocritically parade himself as a pastor, has shown a complete lack of the fear of God. Driven by greed and operating with the ruthlessness of an armed robber, he continues to manipulate a naive, ignorant, and insecure governor.
“Her community, thrilled with her dedicated service, has been actively demonstrating for weeks against this injustice”.
The Chairman further said in a desperate bid to seal their treacherous act, Hon. Diepreye Roseline Yankee, the Leader of the House, was secretly sworn in as acting Chairman.
“We strongly condemned this tyrannical assault on womanhood, the judiciary, and the constitutional rights of the people of Sagbama”.
