Target Segibo, the chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA in Bayelsa, has urged those seeking chieftaincy titles not to indulge in acts capable of igniting crisis.

Mr Segibo said in an interview on Monday that chieftaincy tussles should not be used to fan the embers of discord.

The council chairman spoke in reaction to the ongoing chieftaincy tussle in Amassoma, a community in the local government area. He said the council would not allow those jostling to occupy the traditional stool of Amananaowei of Amassoma to plunge the community into crisis.

Mr Segibo expressed concerns that the factions’ activities in the chieftaincy tussle were already tearing the community apart.

“The council will not tolerate any act that will lead to a breakdown of law and order in the community. We are committed to ensuring that peace prevails in the local government area. All the factions in this tussle must toe the path of peace,” he said.

He urged the factions to cancel all the earlier proposed meetings at the community town hall to avoid clashes.

Mr Segibo said the council was collaborating with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure safety and lasting peace in the community.

“We should always live in peace. No meaningful development can thrive in an environment engulfed in crisis,” he said.

(NAN)