Opposition Candidate Alleges Political Targeting as Bayelsa Planning Board Marks House for Demolition
The candidate of the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Yenagoa Constituency I seat in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Samuel Bunas, has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by the Bayelsa State Government to demolish his residence located in the Opolo area of Yenagoa, the state capital.
Bunas, who is seeking to unseat the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Ayibanegiyefa Egba of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is regarded by many political observers as one of the leading contenders in the race due to his growing support base.
The controversy arose after officials of the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Board marked the opposition candidate’s house for possible demolition, a development that sparked outrage among his supporters. Several supporters took to social media to express their displeasure, alleging that the action was politically motivated.
However, the Executive Chairman of the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Board, Town Planner Kuroakegha Dorgu, has dismissed the allegations, describing them as false, misleading and lacking any factual basis.
Addressing journalists in his office in Yenagoa, Dorgu stated that the Board is a statutory agency responsible for regulating physical planning and infrastructure development across the state. He explained that the agency is empowered to grant development approvals, remove unauthorized structures and maintain rights of way for public utilities, pipelines and other infrastructure.
According to him, the current exercise was triggered by a petition from Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, formerly Shell Petroleum Development Company, alleging that some developers had erected buildings on pipeline corridors and rights of way in parts of the state.
Dorgu said the Board conducted investigations following the complaint and subsequently identified and marked affected structures.
He noted that similar exercises had earlier been carried out in Gbarain, Obunagha and Biseni communities, while ongoing operations are taking place in Agbura, Azikoro, Opolo, Etegwe and Elebele in Yenagoa Local Government Area, as well as Ogbotobo, Tunu and Opuikushi communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area.
“The buildings involved are numerous and not limited to any particular individual. Therefore, it is wrong for anyone to interpret the exercise as politically motivated or targeted at any opposition candidate,” Dorgu stated.
The Board chairman further explained that due process was being followed in accordance with the law establishing the agency. He disclosed that after the expiration of statutory notices served on affected property owners, the Board would seek demolition orders from the court, thereby giving affected persons the opportunity to defend their interests.
Dorgu assured residents that the Board would not be used as a tool for political intimidation or victimization. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to professionalism and urged developers to obtain the necessary development permits and approvals before embarking on construction projects.
He also called on members of the public to disregard claims that the Board was being used to harass political opponents, insisting that its actions were strictly guided by law and public safety considerations.
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