Women’s Rights Group Raises Concerns Over Alleged Plan to Remove Bayelsa LG Chairperson

The Centre for Women’s Rights and Development Initiative (CWRDI) has expressed concern over what it described as an alleged plan to remove the Chairperson of Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Hon. Mrs. Alice Allen Tangi, from office.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Mrs. Marilyn Damian Okoro, the organisation alleged that there were moves to suspend or remove the council chairperson, claiming the action was connected to her reported refusal to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group further alleged that the planned action involved the Bayelsa State Government, the State House of Assembly and the legislative arm of the Sagbama Local Government Council. However, the state government and other parties mentioned had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

According to CWRDI, Hon. Tangi is currently the only female local government chairperson in Bayelsa State and the second woman to occupy the office since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.

The organisation argued that any attempt to remove an elected local government chairperson on the basis of political affiliation would undermine democratic governance, women’s political participation and local government autonomy.

CWRDI maintained that political affiliation is protected under the Constitution and should not constitute grounds for the removal of an elected public official.

The group also referred to the Supreme Court’s judgment of July 11, 2024, on local government autonomy, stating that elected local government officials enjoy constitutional protection and that state governments should not interfere with their tenure outside the provisions of the law.

It questioned the timing of the reported move, noting that Hon. Tangi has about seven months remaining in office, and urged that due process and constitutional provisions be strictly observed in any action affecting elected officials.

CWRDI called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and relevant institutions to ensure that the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy are respected.

It also appealed to security agencies to ensure the safety of the Sagbama council chairperson.

The organisation further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Accountant-General of the Federation to uphold constitutional safeguards relating to local government administration.

The group concluded by reaffirming its support for the protection of women’s political participation and democratic institutions.