Yenagoa—The Bayelsa State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has denied alleged claims by the paramount ruler of Opokuma Kingdom, HRM King Collins Aranka that traditionnal rulers in the state were being paid N28,000 as a monthly allowance.
In a statement by Chief Thompson Amule, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on Wednesday, the ministry described the claims as erroneous, false, and incorrect.
In the statement, King Aranka was said to have made the claims when Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) visited him at his palace in Opokuma town as part of the campaigns for the November 11 governorship election.
The statement however clarified that the Bayelsa State Government pays first class kings the sum of N650,000 monthly.
Second class kings N120,000, third class kings get N80,000 while fourth class kings are paid the sum of N30,000 monthly.
The statement reads:
“We have watched with dismay the video of HRM King Collins Aranka of Opokuma Kingdom commenting on the monthly allowance paid to traditional rulers by the Bayelsa State Government.
“While the government will continue to respect the exalted stool of His Majesty, it is expedient to set the records straight.
“HRM King Aranka had erroneously told his guest, Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his palace in Opokuma town, that traditional rulers in the state were being paid N28,000 as monthly allowance.
“This is patently incorrect and false in every material sense.
“While the APC members are feasting on the misinformation, it is proper to lay bare the facts.
“The Bayelsa State Government pays First Class Kings in the status of King Aranka the sum of N650,000 monthly.
“Second Class Kings receive N120,000, Third Class Kings get N80,000 while Fourth Class Kings are paid the sum of N30,000 monthly.
“Having made this clarification, the government would not join issues any further with the traditional institution over the unfortunate comments by HRM King Collins Aranka of Opokuma Kingdom.”
Meanwhile, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State has approved the immediate suspension of His Royal Majesty, King Boutua Collins Aranka, Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Doubara Atasi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor on Media on Wednesday.
According to the statement, his suspension was due to a reported case of falsehood and a misrepresentation of the Chieftaincy laws of the State.
The statement further revealed that consequently, a Seven-Man Committee has been constituted to investigate the allegations brought against him, with the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Local Government Administration and Community Development, Chief Thompson Amule, as Chairman.
“The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, his counterpart of Information and Orientation, Hon. Ayibaina Crowther Duba, and the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in the State, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo are to serve as members.
“Other members include, One first class traditional ruler from each of the three senatorial districts of the State, to be nominated by the Chairman of the traditional rulers’ council.
“The Committee has two weeks within which to conclude its assignment and present a report to the government.
“His Royal Majesty, King Boutua Aranka is hereby directed to refrain from carrying out any duties, as the Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan or as a traditional ruler, within the period, pending the outcome of the committee’s assignment and subsequent lifting of the suspension order by the government,” the statement partly read.
