In a bold move to restore peace and order in its markets, the Bayelsa State government has banned all ethnic and tribal-based traders’ associations in the state’s markets.
The government has directed the Nigerian police and other security agencies to enforce the ban, promising to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the order.
The decision follows a series of clashes between traders at the Swali Market in Yenagoa, which was attributed to ethnic divisions and competition over market revenues.
The ban was announced by Bayelsa’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, during a meeting held at the Government House, Yenagoa, with members of the Swali Market Conflict Resolution Committee and local traders in attendance.
Ewhrudjakpo condemned the creation of tribal-based groups within the markets, citing the negative impact on the community and market harmony.
“We cannot allow these divisions to continue,” Ewhrudjakpo said. “These ethnic associations have caused unnecessary conflict and division among traders. The government will no longer tolerate it.”
The decision to ban the associations comes after extensive reports about internal disputes and leadership struggles, particularly at the Swali Market. These problems have led to violence and unrest among traders, with allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the market leadership.
Government Cracks Down on Unrest
The Deputy Governor stated that the government had been alerted to the ongoing issues at Swali Market, which had been worsened by the interference of ethnic-based groups. He called for decisive action, warning that anyone found violating the new order would face serious consequences.
“If anyone claims to be a member of the Igbo Traders Association or the Ijaw Traders Association, they will be arrested. The government will take action against anyone who flouts this directive,” Ewhrudjakpo stated.
The ban applies to all tribal associations, including those of the Isoko, Urhobo, Igbo, Ijaw, and other ethnic groups operating within Bayelsa’s markets. The government has also made it clear that these associations are not recognized by the state and will be disbanded immediately.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Doubara Atasi, it was emphasized that the police would be closely monitoring the situation to ensure compliance.
“Any group that tries to continue parading itself as an ethnic traders’ association will be dealt with,” Atasi said.
The Bayelsa State government has taken a hard stance, determined to address the underlying causes of the crisis in the markets. It has directed the Commissioner for Information to make a formal announcement regarding the ban and the enforcement of the order.
Failure of Leadership Cited
In a scathing criticism of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, Ewhrudjakpo blamed the ministry’s leadership for the escalating crisis in the market.
“The Ministry has failed to provide effective leadership,” Ewhrudjakpo remarked. “Their ineptitude and compromise have allowed this problem to fester for so long.”
He pointed out that leadership struggles and the politicization of the traders’ associations had undermined market stability. The Deputy Governor also suggested that the leadership of the Ministry had been compromised, leading to a breakdown in market regulation.
“We must ensure that these divisions end. The failure of leadership has caused this chaos,” he added.
Ewhrudjakpo further clarified that future traders’ associations in the markets would be based solely on the type of goods or products being sold, rather than ethnicity. This decision aims to reduce conflict and ensure that the associations are functional and serve the interests of all traders.
“Traders will only be allowed to organize based on the types of goods they sell, not their tribal backgrounds,” he said.
Recommendations from Conflict Resolution Committee
The Swali Market Conflict Resolution Committee, led by Chief Boma Spero-Jack, presented its findings during the meeting. The committee identified the politicization of traders’ associations and the desire to control market revenue as key factors fueling the ongoing unrest.
Spero-Jack noted that inordinate ambition by different ethnic groups to control revenue streams in Swali Market had contributed to the conflict.
“The ambition to control market funds has caused divisions,” Spero-Jack said. “There is a need for a more structured and fair system.”
The committee also recommended the establishment of a legislative solution to resolve the leadership issues in the market. This would involve creating a more permanent and institutionalized approach to conflict resolution and market regulation.
Among the committee’s key recommendations was the creation of a market regulatory council to oversee the operations of all markets in the state and prevent further disputes.
“We need to have a regulatory council that can oversee the activities in all markets,” Spero-Jack said. “This will help prevent conflicts and ensure that market activities run smoothly.”
Government’s Next Steps
Ewhrudjakpo confirmed that the government would set up another committee to create a new framework for the management of traders’ associations, with clear guidelines and qualifications for leaders.
The government hopes that the new rules will address the leadership problems that have plagued markets in the state and restore order to the trading environment.
“We will ensure that future leadership is transparent and based on the merit of managing market activities,” Ewhrudjakpo said.
