“Must Sagbama Chairman Die Before Diri Speaks? — From Ewhrudjakpo To Sagbama, Botu Kendigha Asks: Is Bayelsa Watching The Same Political Script Again?”
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA, BAYELSA — Fresh controversy has erupted in Bayelsa State over the removal of the Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area, Hon. Alice Allen Tangi, and her Vice Chairman, Hon. Sufade Jefferson Tobi, with a concerned citizen, Senior Comrade Botu Eyerimene Kendigha, calling on Governor Douye Diri to publicly clarify his position on the development.
In an open letter dated August 24, 2026, and addressed to Governor Diri, Kendigha questioned the Governor’s silence over the action of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, which removed the Sagbama council leadership on allegations of gross misconduct.
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly had cited allegations including failure to present monthly financial transparency briefings, failure to present the council’s annual budget before spending public funds and failure to honour invitations from the legislature.
However, the removal has become politically contentious, with critics alleging that political considerations may have influenced the process.
‘WHY IS THE GOVERNOR SILENT?’
Kendigha’s letter draws a comparison between the Sagbama controversy and the circumstances surrounding the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who, before his death, reportedly approached the court over an alleged impeachment plot.
According to Kendigha, Ewhrudjakpo’s case became particularly significant because of claims that he was facing political pressure over his refusal to defect alongside Governor Diri.
He argued that the circumstances surrounding the Sagbama chairman’s removal have raised similar questions.
«“The majority of the good people of Sagbama LGA believe Hon. Mrs. Alice Tangi Allen was impeached for her refusal to join the APC, making her case similar to that of the late Deputy Governor,” Kendigha state stated.»
The claim remains an allegation and has not been established as fact.
COURT ACTION DEEPENS CONTROVERSY
Kendigha also pointed to reports that Tangi had approached the Bayelsa State High Court to challenge an alleged impeachment process before her removal.
He questioned why the legislative process proceeded despite the existence of an ongoing judicial dispute.
The development has intensified calls from stakeholders for clarification on the exact scope and effect of the court proceedings and whether the Assembly complied fully with due process.
‘MUST SHE DIE BEFORE THE GOVERNOR SPEAKS?’
One of the most striking questions raised in Kendigha’s open letter concerns the Governor’s silence.
He asked whether the Sagbama chairman would have to suffer the same fate as the late Deputy Governor before the public receives an explanation about whether the Governor was aware of the alleged impeachment plot.
«“Does you want the Sagbama LGA Chairman and her Vice Chairman to die first before you inform the general public whether you are aware of the impeachment plot or not?” he asked.»
Kendigha further questioned whether it would eventually be claimed that Tangi did not inform the Governor before approaching the court, just as he said it was previously claimed concerning Ewhrudjakpo.
POLITICAL PRESSURE CLAIMS
The controversy has also attracted attention because of allegations that Tangi faced pressure to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
Women’s groups and some Sagbama stakeholders have reportedly raised concerns about the political circumstances surrounding her removal, while supporters of the Assembly’s action have maintained that the decision was based on alleged administrative and financial misconduct.
The political allegations have not been proven and remain part of the wider dispute.
SAGBAMA DEMANDS ANSWERS
Kendigha’s intervention has now placed the Governor directly at the centre of the public debate.
He is demanding answers to two fundamental questions:
What is Governor Diri’s position on the removal of the Sagbama chairman and vice chairman?
And was the Governor aware of the alleged impeachment process before the council leadership was removed?
For many observers, the controversy has moved beyond the fate of two local government officials.
It now touches on local government democracy, legislative powers, judicial authority, political freedom and the relationship between elected officials and political parties in Bayelsa State.
As the legal and political battles surrounding Sagbama continue, pressure is mounting on Governor Diri to break his silence.
“Bayelsans want to know,” Kendigha declared, urging the Governor to speak publicly on the matter.
The questions raised by the open letter are likely to keep the Sagbama controversy alive as stakeholders await further judicial and political developments.
