Bayelsa State Government bans ethnic, tribal traders’ associations

November 24, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Bayelsa State Government has taken a decisive step to ban all ethnic and tribal-based traders’ associations operating in Swali and other markets in the state.

According to the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the ban is necessary to prevent the politicization of traders’ associations and the struggle for control of revenues generated at the markets.

The Deputy Governor warned that anyone who violates the ban would face arrest and prosecution.

His words: “I think what is happening at the Swali Market is a failure from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment. It is because of the compromise of the leadership of the Ministry, with due respect to them, that is why they have this problem.

“So I think it is an issue of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment not being able to provide leadership, either as a result of leadership ineptitude or compromised leadership that takes sides. There are a lot of reports of compromise about the Ministry.

“The Honourable Commissioner for Information will make the formal announcement: All tribal traders associations in that market is hereby banned – no Isoko traders association; no Urhobo traders association; no Igbo traders association, and no Ijaw traders association, and others not mentioned here.

“All such existing tribal associations are hereby banned in all our markets across the state. None should exist. The Commissioner of Police and other law enforcement agencies of government are hereby directed to arrest anyone or group parading themselves as such.

“If anybody goes there and start to say I am the chairman of Igbo Traders Association, Swali branch, government would take on you. That is not recognized by us. All those association are banned and they remain banned.”

The decision was made after the Swali Market Conflict Resolution Committee presented its report, identifying the causes of the crisis in the market.

The committee recommended a legislative solution to address the leadership problem and the establishment of an alternative conflict resolution body and a market regulatory council.

Going forward, traders’ associations will only be allowed to exist in the markets based on the type of goods or products traded.

The Government will set up a committee to define the guidelines, requirements, and qualifications for leadership positions in the Swali Market Traders Association.

The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff, Dr. Peter Akpe, and the Commissioner of Police.

The Government has directed the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to monitor and enforce the ban.