Sylva angry, blasts Baylesa Royal Fathers
GOVERNOR Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State, a predominantly Ijaw state, has taken on the traditional institution in the state warning that his administration will not tolerate any form of royal irresponsibility.
Accordingly, the Bayelsa State Government has warned that henceforth it will not condone absentee traditional rulers who abdicate their responsibilities.
Functionaries within the Creek Haven (Government House, Yenagoa) told AkanimoReports on Tuesday that Governor Sylva personally handed down this warning while receiving a report on the Twon-Brass disturbances.
Our Creek Haven source claimed that the governor said his administration will not hesitate to look into any community where a few individuals arrogate power unto themselves and misuse it for parochial reasons.
He noted that one of the problems in Bayelsa today emanated from the attitude of traditional rulers who have chosen to live outside their domains and delegate responsibilities to people not recognized by the traditional institution.
Judging from the report of the committee, the governor noted that Twon Brass was a clear example of traditional authority being misused and the people subjugated.
Sylva, who described the situation as an attempt to distort an age-old tradition, observed that such a situation was capable of causing confusion among the people.
He therefore warned that henceforth, traditional rulers should inform their Local Government Council Chairmen before travelling out of their domains stressing that there is an extant regulation requiring them to do so.
Sylva said the state government would set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry which will take an in-depth look at the problem and give legal backing to the solutions proffered.
He commended the committee for thoroughly and painstakingly looking at the crisis in Twon Brass and promised to implement its recommendations.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, King Joshua Igbagara lauded the governor for giving them the opportunity to serve, pointing out that the committee got the views of all stakeholders in the kingdom before arriving at their recommendations.