Bayelsa Lawmaker Urges Calm Amid Rising Tensions Over Proposed Ogbia North Headquarters Location

Hon. Gabriel Michael Ogbara, the Member Representing Ogbia Constituency 3 and Chief Whip of the 7th Bayelsa State House of Assembly, has issued a public appeal for calm and restraint in response to rising tensions between the Kolo and Emeyal II communities. The tensions stem from ongoing debates surrounding the proposed location for the Ogbia North Local Government Area (LGA) headquarters.

In a statement personally signed and released to the public, Hon. Ogbara emphasized that the current concerns are based on a legislative proposal that is still under review. He clarified that there has been no official restructuring or reassignment of administrative authority, particularly in relation to the Kolo Creek Rural Development Authority (RDA), which remains under the jurisdiction of Kolo Town in accordance with the existing administrative framework.

The lawmaker expressed particular concern over the tone of public discourse regarding the issue. He condemned the insults being exchanged between individuals in both communities and warned that such actions have the potential to undermine the longstanding peace and unity of Ogbia land. According to him, inflammatory rhetoric, incitement, and any form of threat or violence—whether verbal or physical—must be avoided and will not be tolerated.

Ogbara called on all stakeholders, particularly the youths and spokespersons from both Kolo and Emeyal II, to refrain from making statements or taking actions that could provoke further conflict. He noted that the current debate should not be reduced to a political contest or an emotional standoff that could escalate into a communal crisis.

He reiterated that Emeyal II does not have any administrative ties to the Kolo Creek RDA, and that misinformation regarding this matter is contributing to unnecessary agitation. He warned that deliberate attempts to politicize the situation or manipulate public sentiment for personal or political gain would only further destabilize the region.

The lawmaker went on to express appreciation to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for his efforts to guide the process along a peaceful path. He urged all parties involved to show restraint and adopt peaceful, consultative approaches in addressing the issue. According to Ogbara, the integrity of Ogbia land must be preserved through dialogue and mutual respect, not through division and hostility.

As a representative of the people and a native of Ogbia himself, Ogbara made a heartfelt appeal to both communities to uphold the values of unity and progress. He emphasized that this is a critical time in which the true legacy of the people will be shaped not by conflict, but by the decisions they make to maintain peace and mutual understanding.

He concluded by encouraging leaders, community members, and political actors to place the interest of the larger Ogbia community above individual ambitions. The focus, he said, must remain on finding common ground through democratic means rather than succumbing to misinformation or inflammatory narratives.

“Let history remember us not for conflict, but for how we protected the peace, dignity, and future of our land,” Ogbara said.

The appeal from Hon. Ogbara comes amid increasing tension and social media debates fueled by speculation over the siting of the Ogbia North LGA headquarters. With the situation still unfolding, the lawmaker’s intervention aims to restore calm and reinforce the values of dialogue, respect, and communal cooperation that have long defined the Ogbia people.