Diri Sacks Traditional Ruler After Indictment Over Insecurity

Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has removed King Wilcox Seiyefa as the Ebeniken (paramount ruler) of Swali Community of the state based on recommendations from a fact-finding committee set up to probe recent incident of insecurity in his domain.

Diri, made the announcement through his Deputy, Mr Peter Akpe, during a meeting with stakeholders of Swali Community in Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.

The dethroned Ebeniken, alongside his Council of Chiefs were suspended by the Bayelsa government in May, following allegations bordering on aiding and abetting insecurity in Swali community.

Announcing the withdrawal of recognition of the Ebeniken, the governor said the action was in line with Section Six of the state’s Chieftaincy Law, especially in the area of maintaining peace, order and good governance.

He directed that the process of electing a new paramount ruler must commence immediately and be completed within three months.

“The fact-finding committee engaged various stakeholders in Swali community and also got advice from security agencies on the way forward.

“From recommendations of the committee following their findings, it is clear that as at the time those actions (causing violence and insecurity) were taken, the leadership was weak and not firm to take decisions to manage the situation.

“The government will facilitate the election of a new paramount ruler by setting up an electoral committee, and the election must be conducted within three months, starting, from June 30,” he said.

The governor clarified that all members of the existing caretaker committee would continue to function until a new leadership emerged, except any member who might have interest in contesting any of the elective offices.

Citing relevant provisions of the Chieftaincy Law, the governor directed the dethroned paramount ruler to submit the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office in his possession to the Secretary of Yenagoa Local Government Area, who would transmit them to his office, not later than one month from June 30.

The governor, who thanked the people of Epie and kingdoms as well as security agencies for supporting government’s peace and security efforts, urged all traditional rulers to keep themselves abreast with provisions of the chieftaincy law to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Meanwhile, a five-member electoral committee has been constituted to midwife the process of electing a new Ebeniken of Swali.

The committee, headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Bertola Perekeme, has Mr Yinkore Terimoh, Gesiye Obireke, Mr Richard Perekeme as members, while Mrs Domo-Spiff Boma is to serve as Secretary.

In a related development, the state government has set up a seven-man caretaker committee to pilot affairs of the Ogboinbiri community in Southern Ijaw local government area of the state.

Mr Monday Edugo is chairman of the committee, while Dr Moses Areprekumor is Secretary with Mr Francis Eseduo, Mr Allen Okorodo, Mr Peter Akpasi, Mr Christian Brown and Mr Akpu Arthur will serve as members.

Inaugurating the committee, the governor urged people of the oil and gas-rich Ogboinbiri to unite and work cooperatively with the committee to achieve lasting peace in the community.

In his acceptance speech, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr Monday Edugo, expressed gratitude to the state government for finding him and other members of the committee worthy to carry out the assignment.

He appealed to Diri to lift the prevailing dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on the community. (NAN)