The Bayelsa State government has announced the indefinite suspension of the rerun election for the position of the substantive President of the state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Additionally, the government has disbanded the Electoral Committee that oversaw the election, which ended in a stalemate on February 23, 2025.
The state government cited the committee’s failure to meet expectations in the performance of its duties. During a meeting with Ohanaeze Ndigbo leaders and stakeholders at Government House in Yenagoa, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo warned individuals planning to participate in the rerun election to reconsider their actions, emphasizing the importance of their own well-being.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, the Deputy Governor explained that the government’s intervention was aimed at promoting peace and harmony among the Igbos in Bayelsa and preventing a breakdown of law and order. Ewhrudjakpo also revealed that security agencies had been directed to arrest and prosecute anyone who violates the government’s directives concerning the election.
The Deputy Governor acknowledged the vital role that the Igbo community plays in Bayelsa’s development and urged them to remain united. “As a government, we appreciate what you have done for our state. You are outstanding, and that is why we respect you. This is the first time we are meeting again after our second term election. So, let me on behalf of the governor and myself, thank you for supporting us,” he said.
He continued, “We are not taking your support for granted. That is why for the first time in the history of this state, one of you, an Igbo son, is appointed as commissioner who sits with the governor at the state executive council to take decisions.”
Addressing the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership dispute, Ewhrudjakpo asked, “What do the Ohanaeze Ndigbo want? Would you allow the election of your leader to polarize and destroy Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa?” He reiterated that the rerun election would be suspended indefinitely and emphasized that the government would not impose a candidate but would work to maintain peace and unity.
The Deputy Governor also announced the formation of a reconciliation committee to address the dispute and foster unity. “We want to see how we can reconcile you people,” he stated, adding that the committee would present recommendations within two weeks to resolve the conflict.
Earlier, the two candidates vying for the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa, Dr. Frank Odinekwe and Dr. Anthony Olikagwu, had appealed to the state government to help resolve the internal conflict within the organization.
In response, the Chairman of the newly formed Reconciliation Committee, High Chief Collins Cocodia, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor for entrusting them with the task. He pledged to work diligently to achieve the committee’s objectives. The committee also includes Mr. Didi Engineerkeme, the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Political Matters; Mr. Ebi Wilson, Director of Human Resources Management; High Chief Obiedo Nwankwo, the traditional Prime Minister of Igbos in Bayelsa; Mr. Ikechukwu Nweke; and Mrs. Sarah Ngozi Okonkwo.
