The Bayelsa State Government has outlawed all tribal and ethnic-based traders’ unions in markets across the state.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, announced the ban during a meeting at the government house in Yenagoa over the weekend.
The order follows a report presented by the Swali Market Conflict Resolution Committee, which investigated ongoing disputes among traders in Swali Market. Ewhrudjakpo emphasized that any individual or group violating the directive would face strict consequences.
He stated, “The government will deal decisively with anyone who violates this ban. We have directed the police and other security agencies to monitor the situation, arrest, and prosecute any offenders.”
Moving forward, the government declared that traders’ associations would only operate based on the types of goods or products sold, rather than tribal or ethnic affiliations.
Ewhrudjakpo also revealed plans to create a new committee that will set guidelines for leadership positions in the Swali Market Traders Association. He stressed that these guidelines would ensure fairness and prevent further disputes.
Presenting the committee’s findings, Chairman Chief Boma Spero-Jack blamed unhealthy political interference and competition over revenue control as the main causes of the crisis in Swali Market.
