YENAGOA, NIGERIA – Chiefs and citizens of the Opu-Nembe Bassambiri community in Bayelsa State’s Nembe Local Government Area are seeking government intervention following their banishment by local youth leadership over their identification with former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva.
They are calling for enhanced security measures and a greater military presence to combat the increase in local lawlessness.
The group, identifying as Concern Citizens of Opu-Nembe Bassambiri, claim their exile was instigated by their attendance at the former minister’s birthday party.
Addressing the press on Monday, July 10, 2023, Chief Kiengmosuote Monday-Degi, a representative of the group and exiled traditional chief, expressed his concern over the issue.
“It has become a phenomenal act of the youths of Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) to send on exile any perceived enemies who tries to speak against their criminal reign and fetishism in the community,” said Monday-Degi. He added, “Precisely on Saturday, 8th July, 2023, the president of the youths federation, pronounced the exiling of 28 Chiefs from Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri).”
He called into question the logic of such a drastic measure, emphasizing the puzzling nature of their banishment for merely attending a birthday celebration.
Monday-Degi asked, “When did such act of celebrating with a son and brother in his birthday become a crime in Opu-Nembe and/or anywhere in world?”
The group is appealing to law enforcement agencies, including the police, military, and the Department of State Services, to step in and restore order.
“There should be permanent occupation of military personnel in good numbers to forestall further unleashing of mayhem, gangsterism, rape and cultism on the innocent and law abiding citizens of Opu-Nembe community. A stitch in time saves nine,” pleaded Monday-Degi.
The vice president of the local youth federation, Nimibofa Collins, confirmed the expulsion of the 28 chiefs and elders, justifying their action by alleging a lack of empathy from the elders for victims of a previous violent invasion of the community by gunmen.
According to Collins, Chief Sylva had made empty promises to bring the culprits to justice, leading to the community’s frustration.
