The Bayelsa State Government has banned all tribal and ethnic-based traders’ associations operating in Swali Market and other markets across the state.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, announced the ban after receiving a report from the Swali Market Conflict Resolution Committee during a meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa. He directed the State Commissioner of Police to ensure the enforcement of the order by arresting anyone who continues to operate such associations in the markets.
Addressing traders at the meeting, Senator Ewhrudjakpo warned that the government would enforce strict action against anyone defying the ban. He instructed the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to monitor, arrest, and prosecute violators.
“All tribal traders’ associations in our markets are banned,” he declared. “There will be no Isoko Traders Association, Urhobo Traders Association, Igbo Traders Association, or Ijaw Traders Association. Anyone parading themselves as a leader of such groups will face legal consequences.”
He added that traders’ associations would now only be allowed based on the type of goods or products sold, rather than ethnicity.
The Deputy Governor criticized the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment for failing to provide effective leadership, which he said contributed to the long-standing crisis in Swali Market. He described the ministry’s actions as either inept or compromised, noting that reports of favoritism had worsened the situation.
“This is a leadership failure from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment. Their inability to act decisively, or their compromise by taking sides, is the root cause of this crisis,” he said.
To address the issue, the government will establish a new committee to define the qualifications and guidelines for leadership positions in market associations. This move aims to ensure fair and competent representation among traders.
Chief Boma Spero-Jack, Chairman of the Swali Market Conflict Resolution Committee, presented the committee’s findings at the meeting. He identified the unhealthy politicization of traders’ associations and a scramble for control over market revenues as key causes of the crisis.
The committee recommended legislative measures to resolve recurring leadership disputes and proposed the creation of a conflict resolution body and a market regulatory council to oversee the markets effectively.
The meeting was attended by several top government officials, including:
Dr. Peter Akpe, Chief of Staff
Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, Deputy Chief of Staff
Mrs. Mildred Francis Igele, Director of Markets, representing the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Investment
Representatives of law enforcement agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, the State Director of the Department of State Services, and the Deputy State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were also present.
This government’s decisive action aims to restore order in Bayelsa’s markets by eliminating ethnic divisions and ensuring that traders focus on their businesses rather than tribal affiliations.
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