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Kolo Town, Bayelsa State — April 14, 2025
Youths from Kolo I, II, and III Federated Communities in the Kolo Creek Constituency III of Ogbia Local Government Area have expressed strong opposition to the proposed relocation of the Kolo Creek Rural Development Authority (RDA) headquarters from Kolo Town to Emeyal II.
In a protest held today at kolo Town, prominent youth leaders and community representatives, including Nurse Ibadan Prosper Believe (President, Kolo 2 Youth Movement), Comrade Sunny Eki (Exco Member, Bayelsa State People With Disabilities), Hon. Engr. Adogoin Jehovah-Nissi, and Comrade Desmond Osain, the youths decried the move as unjust, undemocratic, and a direct threat to the peace and unity of the region.
The protest follows the submission of a bill to the National Assembly aimed at formalizing the creation of new Local Government Areas (LGAs) in line with a recent directive by Governor Douye Diri. Under the Bayelsa State Government’s earlier arrangement, Olei, Anyama, and Kolo Creek were recognized as distinct Rural Development Areas with their respective headquarters in Ogbia Town, Anyama, and Kolo Town—a structure accepted for over two decades.
However, to the dismay of the Kolo Creek constituency 3, the newly submitted bill controversially lists Emeyal II as the proposed headquarters of Ogbia North (Kolo Creek LGA), bypassing Kolo Town despite its historical and geographical centrality in the region.
The youths allege that this development was carried out without proper consultation and accuse certain individuals of manipulating the process for personal or political gain.
“We firmly affirm that Kolo Town remains the legitimate and original headquarters of the Kolo Creek LGA,” the statement read. “We reject in its entirety the section of the proposed bill that lists Emeyal II as the headquarters and call on the National Assembly to correct this grave error.”
The coalition further called for transparency and inclusive dialogue in all matters concerning local governance. They emphasized their commitment to defending their community’s rights through peaceful and democratic means.
As tensions rise, the Kolo communities have vowed to remain united in their pursuit of justice and the protection of their traditional heritage and administrative identity.
Florence Johnson Ogbomade Reporting for Closer TV News.
