A fresh crisis is brewing in the oil-rich Bilabiri Community of Bayelsa State as tension continues to mount over the refusal of the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Mr. Tekenane Abaka, to vacate office despite the expiration of his tenure in December 2024.
Concerned residents warn that the situation could degenerate into violence if urgent steps are not taken by the Bayelsa State Government to restore order and uphold the community’s constitution.
Speaking on behalf of aggrieved indigenes, Mr. Lucky Tubotu accused Abaka of unlawfully clinging to power and undermining peace in the community. According to him, Abaka’s tenure has been characterised by allegations of violence, intimidation, brutality and repeated breaches of the CDC constitution.
“The Bayelsa State Government must intervene immediately to prevent a breakdown of law and order,” Tubotu said. “Abaka has allegedly hijacked the leadership of the community for personal gain, at the expense of the growth and development of Bilabiri.”
Tubotu further alleged that Abaka has openly boasted of strong political connections which he believes will enable him to remain in office indefinitely, despite clear constitutional provisions limiting the tenure of CDC executives.
“The tenure of the CDC executive is clearly spelt out in the constitution. It is alarming that Mr. Abaka has refused to vacate office more than a year after his tenure expired, without any meaningful achievement to justify his overstaying,” he stated.
He called on the Bayelsa State Government, which he described as peace-loving, not to allow what he termed “the imposition of one man’s will” on the people of Bilabiri.
Beyond leadership concerns, the community has also raised serious allegations of criminal activities. Tubotu alleged that in 2025, CDC executives of Bilabiri 1 community unlawfully sold two power generators—a 500 kVA and a 350 kVA—belonging to Bilabiri 1 and 2 communities, without the consent or knowledge of Bilabiri 2.
In another incident, he alleged that an armoured turbine cable connecting Tunu to Bilabiri 1 and 2 communities was recently stolen, questioning the role of the self-acclaimed CDC executives and traditional leaders responsible for community security.
“Where were these so-called CDC executives and chiefs when such a critical infrastructure disappeared under their watch?” Tubotu queried, calling for the arrest and investigation of Abaka over the alleged thefts.
He further alleged that Abaka has a history of involvement in sea piracy and warned him against disposing of the stolen armoured cables, as was allegedly done with the community generators.
Tubotu also accused Abaka’s brother, Ebimene Abaka, popularly known as “Small Fire,” of unlawfully declaring himself the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the community, alleging that criminal activities have thrived under his watch.
According to him, residents now live in fear, describing Bilabiri as a community “under siege,” and warned that continued inaction by authorities could plunge the area into serious conflict.
He urged oil and gas companies operating in the area, including Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd and its contractor, Westfield, to immediately disengage from Abaka and any members of the CDC whose tenure expired in December 2024.
“Any individual or company dealing with them does so at its own risk,” he cautioned.
As tensions continue to rise, community members are calling on the Bayelsa State Government and relevant security agencies to take decisive action to avert a looming crisis and safeguard lives, property, and vital oil and gas installations in the area.
