Bayelsa govt wades into Tombia chieftaincy tussle

The people of Tombia Community in Ekpetiama Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have been directed to uphold the provisions of their constitution in the forthcoming election of a substantive paramount ruler (Amananaowei).

The state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who gave the directive during an enlarged stakeholders meeting held in Government House, Yenagoa, urged the feuding parties in the community to sink their differences in the interest of peace and development of the community.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, emphasized the need for the people of Tombia to obey the zoning or rotational principle of electing their Amananaowei between the two major quarters of the community as clearly spelt out in their subsisting constitution.

He maintained that the community’s constitution cannot be amended to expunge the rotational clause when an electoral process for the enthronement of a new Amananaowei was already underway.

The Deputy Governor, however, pointed out that the community could make all necessary amendments to the extant constitution, including the rotational clause if they so wish, only after the election and inauguration of a substantive paramount ruler, who alone has the legitimate authority to sign the amended constitution into force.

Describing peace as an indispensable asset to sustainable development of any community, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, noted that the clamour for the position of Amananaowei in most communities (today) was being driven by material gains and personal interest as against selfless and sacrificial communal service obtainable in the past.

His words: “The Tombia constitution cannot be amended without a sitting paramount ruler; you can’t amend the constitution now when there is a transition or election process to produce a substantive Amananaowei of Tombia community.

“The rotational clause in the Constitution for the Amananaowei election should be upheld. Any subsequent amendment can only follow after the election of a substantive paramount ruler in office. Government, therefore, directs that the election be conducted in strict adherence to the constitution of your community.

“Let me tell you that there is no difference between or among people that is unresolvable. If there is any issue to be resolved, before you do anything, start with dialogue; exhaust dialogue before you do anything.

“Peace is critical to the development of any community or society. So I appeal to all the parties involved to sink your grievances in the best collective interest of our community and even in the honour of our departed Amananaowei who ruled Tombia in peace for several years.

“A paramount ruler is supposed to sacrifice for his community, but today because of the perks they get, traditional rulership has become a major source of communal crisis among people in various communities.”

Community stakeholders representing the various interests and groups, who spoke at the meeting include Mr. Ebikobowei Igbori, Mr Victor Akoko, Chief Godday Otobotekere and Elder Israel Igbori, pleaded for government’s intervention.

The meeting also had in attendance the Member representing Yenagoa Constituency Two in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Waikumo Amakoromo, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo, his deputy Governor’s counterpart, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Bekes Sese, among other top government officials.