The Publisher of the Niger Delta Herald and stakeholder in Bayelsa politics, Mr. Francis Dufugha, has condemned the purported removal of the Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Allen Alex Tangi, by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, describing it as a violation of the Constitution and contempt for the judiciary.
In a press statement titled “WHAT GOES UP MUST SURELY COME DOWN,” Dufugha said the action of the Assembly raises fundamental questions about respect for the rule of law, particularly as it was allegedly carried out despite a subsisting court order restraining any hasty or unlawful process against the council leadership.
“If that order was still valid and subsisting at the time of the Assembly’s action, then the issue is no longer merely political. It becomes a serious question of obedience to the authority of the judiciary and respect for the rule of law,” he stated.
He maintained that lawmakers are not law unto themselves and that the Constitution remains supreme and binding on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.
“A court order is not a political opinion. It is not a newspaper editorial. It is not a suggestion from an opposition party. It is a binding judicial pronouncement until set aside by a competent court. A legislature that makes laws but refuses to respect judicial orders is sending a dangerous message,” he said.
Dufugha also referenced Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which stipulates that a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat upon defection except where there is division or merger in the original party, arguing that the law cannot be applied selectively to punish political opponents.
He described the Sagbama episode as a case of the kettle calling the pot black and insisted that if Mrs. Tangi is accused of gross misconduct, the allegations should be made public, evidence produced and fair hearing guaranteed in line with due process.
“The people of Sagbama are watching. The protests and growing tension surrounding the matter should be a warning that power games must not be allowed to tear the social fabric of Sagbama apart,” he said.
He added: “You cannot legislate obedience and practise disobedience. You cannot demand respect for the Assembly while showing contempt for the judiciary. Those who occupy public offices today should remember that power is transient. What goes up must surely come down.”
Assembly Defends Action:
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly, however, has defended its action, insisting it acted within its constitutional oversight powers over local governments.
The Assembly said the removal of Hon. Mrs. Allen Alex Tangi and her Vice Chairman, Barr. Tobi Surface Jefferson, followed a petition alleging gross misconduct, financial impropriety and abuse of office, and their repeated failure to honour invitations to appear before the House Committee on Local Government.
According to the House, 17 of the 20 lawmakers present at plenary voted in favour of their removal following deliberations on the petition.
The House said the action was necessary to uphold accountability and respect for constituted authority at the third tier of government.
In a related development, and in line with its resolution to prevent a vacuum in governance, Mrs. Diepriye Roseline Yankee-Robinson has assumed office as acting Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Council.
