By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
A leadership dispute is reportedly brewing in the oil-rich Bilabiri Community of Bayelsa State following allegations that the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Tekenane Abaka, has refused to vacate office despite the expiration of his tenure in December 2024.
Concerned indigenes say tension is rising steadily in the community, warning that the situation could degenerate into unrest if urgent intervention is not undertaken by the appropriate authorities.
One of the concerned indigenes, Mr. Lucky Tubotu, who raised the alarm, called on the Bayelsa State Government to act swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“The Bayelsa State Government must intervene immediately to forestall chaos. Mr. Abaka’s continued occupation of the CDC chairmanship after the expiration of his tenure is unconstitutional and poses a serious threat to peace in Bilabiri,” Tubotu stated.
According to him, Abaka’s tenure has allegedly been characterised by intimidation, rising tension, and constitutional violations, accusing him of usurping community leadership for personal interests at the expense of development.
Tubotu further alleged that Abaka has openly claimed to have strong political connections which, he believes, would enable him to remain in office indefinitely in defiance of the CDC constitution.
“The tenure of CDC executives is clearly provided for in the community constitution. It is therefore disturbing that Mr. Abaka has remained in office more than one year after his mandate expired, without any tangible achievements to justify such overstay,” he added.
He urged the Bayelsa State Government, which he described as peace-loving, not to allow what he termed “the imposition of one individual on the collective will of the Bilabiri people.”
Tubotu also expressed concerns over the safety of residents and the security of oil and gas facilities in the area, warning that prolonged tension could have far-reaching consequences.
In a related development, he called on Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd and other oil and gas servicing firms to suspend engagements with Abaka and members of what he described as a “self-imposed CDC,” noting that their mandate expired in December 2024.
“Any individual or company dealing with them does so at its own risk,” he cautioned.
The concerned indigene further alleged that in 2025, some CDC executives of Bilabiri 1 Community were involved in the disappearance and alleged sale of 500kVA and 350kVA generators belonging to Bilabiri 1 and 2 Communities, without the consent of Bilabiri 2.
He also raised alarm over the recent alleged theft of an armoured turbine cable drawn from Tunu to supply electricity to Bilabiri 1 and 2 Communities, questioning the role of the CDC leadership and local chiefs who claim to oversee security.
“These critical assets reportedly disappeared under their watch. The self-imposed CDC chairman should be questioned and investigated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding these incidents,” Tubotu said.
Tubotu further alleged worsening insecurity in the community, accusing Mr. Ebimene Abaka, a brother to the CDC chairman, also known as ‘Small Fire’, of unlawfully declaring himself Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Bilabiri.
According to him, the self-acclaimed CSO has allegedly aided and abetted criminal activities, noting that major infrastructure thefts occurred under his watch.
“Bilabiri Community is effectively under siege. Residents are living in fear as a result of self-imposed leadership and unchecked criminal activities,” he said.
He warned that unless the Bayelsa State Government takes decisive steps to restore lawful leadership and investigate the alleged criminal activities, the once peaceful oil- and gas-producing community could slide into crisis.
“The warning signs are clear. Urgent intervention is required to prevent Bilabiri from descending into chaos,” Tubotu concluded.
