The Centre for Women’s Rights and Development Initiative (CWRDI) has condemned what it described as ongoing intimidation and an alleged plan to suspend and remove the Chairperson of Sagbama Local Government Area, Hon. Alice Allen Tangi, calling on the Federal Government to intervene.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr Marilyn Damian Okoro, the organisation alleged that efforts were being made to remove the elected council chairperson because of her refusal to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group described the alleged move as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic governance, local government autonomy and women’s participation in politics.

According to the organisation, Tangi is the only serving female elected local government chairperson in Bayelsa State and the second woman to hold such a position in the state’s history.

The statement further alleged that the planned action was being orchestrated through the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and the legislative arm of the Sagbama Local Government Council.

The organisation also accused Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Pastor Peter Akpe, of allegedly supporting efforts to remove the chairperson, claims which it did not substantiate with evidence.

It argued that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to freedom of association and that no elected official should be compelled to change political affiliation.

The group further maintained that the tenure of elected local government chairpersons is protected by law, citing the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024 judgment on local government financial and administrative autonomy.

Calling for federal intervention, the organisation urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to prevent any action it believes would amount to an unconstitutional suspension or removal of the council chairperson.

It also appealed to security agencies to ensure Tangi’s safety and called for continued direct allocation of statutory funds to the local government in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment.

The organisation further appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Accountant-General of the Federation to intervene, urging them to protect the chairperson’s tenure and uphold the constitutional autonomy of local governments.

The Centre said it would continue to advocate for the protection of women’s political participation and democratic rights.

The Guardian could not independently verify the allegations contained in the statement. As of the time of filing this report, Governor Diri, Deputy Governor Akpe, the Bayelsa State Government, and the Sagbama Local Government Council had not publicly responded to the claims.