The Bayelsa State Government has appealed to the Ogbia people to embrace unity and shun actions capable of causing division, insisting that the temporary ban on the Ogbia Brotherhood election was imposed to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order in the area.
Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made this known on Tuesday while addressing a delegation of aggrieved women under the banner of Concerned Daughters of Ogbia at Government House, Yenagoa.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, the Deputy Governor said the state government’s decision was based on credible security reports pointing to possible unrest if the Ogbia Brotherhood election had gone ahead as planned. He explained that Governor Douye Diri receives daily intelligence briefings about the security situation across the state and acted in the collective interest of peace and stability.
“It was purely a security concern that made the government suspend that election. The reports the public hears are often different from what the Governor gets,” Ewhrudjakpo stated. “If not managed carefully, the situation could escalate into a major crisis. Most community conflicts often begin with small, overlooked issues.”
He urged the Ogbia people to remain united and protect the legacy of their illustrious son, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who, according to him, commands respect across the world. He assured that the administration of Governor Diri would continue to honor Dr. Jonathan’s contributions and ensure that peace, development, and progress flourish in Ogbia land.
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Highlighting some completed and ongoing projects in the area, such as the Onuebum–Otuoke Road and the Ayama–Ogbia/Okodi Road, Ewhrudjakpo promised that the ban on the Ogbia Brotherhood election would soon be lifted to allow for a transparent and peaceful leadership transition.
In their remarks, Mrs. Blessing Igbuasi and Mrs. Ada Joan, leaders of the Concerned Daughters of Ogbia, said their peaceful protest was aimed at drawing government’s attention to the growing disunity caused by the prolonged suspension of the Brotherhood’s leadership election. They called for quick government intervention to restore order and confidence among members.
Also speaking, Miss Odo Esther, Women Leader of the Grassroots Mobilization Initiative (GMI), criticized the alleged heavy-handedness of some police officers who tried to disrupt the peaceful protest. She urged authorities to uphold the rights of citizens to express themselves without intimidation.
The meeting was attended by top government officials including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo; Deputy Chief of Staff, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Gibson Munalayefa; and Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, Hon. Golden Jeremiah.
