The Bayelsa State Government has indefinitely suspended the re-run election of the Bayelsa chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo made the announcement during a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Yenagoa on Friday.
He also disbanded the electoral committee responsible for conducting the election on 23rd February, stating that the committee had failed to meet expectations in executing its duties.
Ewhrudjakpo cautioned individuals planning to participate in the re-run election, originally scheduled for Saturday, to reconsider their actions in their best interest.
He explained that the state government’s intervention was aimed at ensuring peace and harmony among the Igbo community in Bayelsa and preventing any potential disruption of law and order.
“The government has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone who disregards this directive concerning the election of the state president of Ohanaeze,” he stated.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Igbo community to Bayelsa’s development and urged them to maintain unity.
“The Igbos in Bayelsa should not allow disagreements over leadership elections to create divisions among them,” he emphasised.
“As a government, we recognise and appreciate the role you play in our state. You have made significant contributions, and we hold you in high regard.
“This is our first meeting since our re-election for a second term, and I want to, on behalf of the governor and myself, express gratitude for your support.
“We do not take your support for granted, which is why, for the first time in the history of this state, an Igbo son has been appointed as a commissioner,” Ewhrudjakpo said.
He questioned the community on the way forward for Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state, warning against internal conflicts that could weaken the organisation.
“Would you allow leadership elections to divide and destroy Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa?
“On Saturday, security agencies will be stationed across the state. Anyone attempting to hold the Ohanaeze election will be taken into custody by the police or DSS.
“The government will not impose a leader on Ohanaeze, but we will ensure that peace and stability are maintained.
“Our goal is to reconcile all parties involved. Therefore, we are immediately setting up a reconciliation committee to mediate the issues at hand.”
Ewhrudjakpo announced the establishment of a reconciliation committee to investigate the cause of the dispute and provide recommendations within two weeks to enable the government to resolve the matter amicably.
The two candidates vying for the position of President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa—zoned to Anambra State—Mr Frank Odinekwe and Mr Anthony Olikagwu, expressed gratitude to the government for stepping in.
They appealed for the government’s assistance in resolving the internal crisis within the socio-political organisation.
Speaking on behalf of the reconciliation committee, its chairman and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Collins Cocodia, thanked the deputy governor for entrusting them with the responsibility.
He assured that the committee would work diligently to find a lasting resolution to the conflict within Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa.
