Bayelsa bans operations of tribal market unions

The Bayelsa State Government has banned all tribal and ethnic-based traders’ associations operating in markets across the state. 

The government has also directed the commissioner of police to enforce the order by arresting any person or group of persons that parade themselves as members or leaders of such associations at any market in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the order at the weekend after receiving the report from the Swali Market Conflict Resolution Committee at the government house, Yenagoa.

Speaking at the meeting attended by traders from the Swali Market, the deputy governor warned that government would decisively deal with anyone who violated the ban.

He urged the police and other security agencies to monitor, arrest and prosecute anyone or group of traders that flout the prohibition order of government.

He, however, clarified that going forward, traders associations would only be allowed to exist in the markets strictly on the basis of the kind of goods or products they sell.

He said government would set up another committee to set and define the guidelines, requirements, and qualifications to be met by those interested in holding any leadership positions in the popular Swali Market Traders Association.

Presenting the report, Chief Boma Spero-Jack, the Chairman of the Swali Market Conflict Resolution Committee, identified unhealthy politicization of the traders association and ambition by interest groups to control revenues at the Swali Market as causes of the crisis.