From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has again cautioned groups and individuals against the arbitrary removal of duly recognized paramount rulers of communities without recourse to the due process outlined in the state’s chieftaincy law.
This is just as it sternly warned those violating its regulations on indiscriminate felling of trees in various parts of Bayelsa’s forests for timber production, logging and other purposes to desist or face lawful sanctions.
The state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the warning, at the weekend, during a meeting involving some top government functionaries and community leaders of Ofoni and Lalagbene communities in Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government Areas of the State.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who frowned on persons or group of persons taking laws into their hands for whatever reasons, emphasized that only the Governor of the state has the prerogative to suspend or remove a duly elected and government recognized paramount ruler of any community.
The Deputy Governor who spoke against the background of a clandestine attempt to unseat the Amananaowei of Lalagbene Community in Ekeremor LGA, warned those behind the move to either desist forthwith or face the wrath of the law.
On the issue of felling of trees for timber and lumber production, he pointed out that the state government’s regulation on logging of wood was still in force, stressing that the law enforcement agencies had been mandated to arrest and prosecute violators across the eight local government areas of the State.
His words: “Lawlessness doesn’t give birth to law; likewise illegality doesn’t give birth to legality. So, those people who go into our forests to fell trees indiscriminately without permission from the relevant authorities should be ready to face the wrath of the law.
“Government also frowns seriously on the resort to self-help in the matters pertaining to traditional titles and chieftaincy issues in our various communities. You must know that, once a person has been issued a certificate of recognition as a traditional ruler by government, nobody, no matter how highly placed,can remove the person.
“Before such a person can be removed, you have to make your submissions to the governor, and only the governor can remove or suspend the person after thorough investigation of the allegations.
“That means, the power to remove a paramount ruler is vested in only the Governor of the state. So, if you remove anybody in your community by force, as far as the law is concerned, that removal is null and void.”
The Deputy Governor, who recused himself from presiding over the meeting convened to resolve the boundary dispute between his hometown, Ofoni and Lalagbene, mandated the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN) to act on his behalf as Chairman of the State Boundary Committee for the sake of neutrality, fairness and justice.
Addressing both communities after hearing their claims, Mr Dambo, appealed to the people of Ofoni and Lalagbene to maintain the age-long mutual relationship they had enjoyed over the decades, stressing that government takes the issue of peace and security in every part of the state very seriously.
The State Attorney-General, who thanked the people for their openness and honesty, said government might set up a team to pay a fact-finding visit to the disputed areas with a view to delineating a clear-cut boundary for the two neighbouring communities to forestall hostilities in the future.
Other government officials who made contributions include the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo, and his Deputy Governor counterpart, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, the Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, that of Lands and Survey, Mr Perepuighe Biewari, and the Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mr Isaac Onniye.
Community representatives who also spoke at the meeting were the Acting Paramount Ruler of Ofoni, Chief Matthew Ediruo, and that of Lalagbene, His Highness Volts Akpos, the CDC chairmen, Mr David Onanieguno and Mr. Ayakabowei Noah, Dr Andrew Ebakpa, Mr Akponimisingha Kofi and former member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Christopher Enai.
