Bayelsa Gov’t Shuts Down Markets, Projects Suspended, For Marriage Ceremony of President Jonathan’s Foster Daughter

The Seriake Dickson-led administration has shut down several facets of the state government following the announcement of a marriage ceremony of a foster daughter of the president. The announcement compelled the government to close down markets in the Bayelsa capital in Yenagoa.

The development and announcement jolted thousands of traders in the state, and motions surrounding it took effect on Thursday. President Goodluck Jonathan arrived in the state capital Thursday evening to prepare for the event scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

The traders were asked to move away from the markets from Thursday to Saturday to honor the President. The traders who lamented the economic loss of the market closure, said that the government unilaterally took the decision without concern, or to discuss the effect the ceremonies would have on their private business transactions.

“We are shocked at this level of insensitivity of the people in government, with the level of hunger in the land. It is very cruel for anyone to order thousands of people to close their businesses from Thursday ‘till Monday, just because a foster daughter to the President is having a traditional marriage,” said one trader who asked not to be identified.

“All the roads are closed,” said another, “while trucks, cargo and commercial vehicles have been barred from Yenagoa. The whole state capital has been shut down, and this is happening at the end of the month when salaries have just been paid, and we enjoy some patronage from civil servants,” said the infuriated trader.

Sahara Reporters learned that Lawrence Erujakpo, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, had said in a radio announcement of Bayelsa owned Grory FM, had ordered all contractors handling government projects to suspend work until Monday. The radio announcement by Erujakpo was stunning news on such short a notice.  Erujakpo emphasized that the suspension of business was “in respect for the President, whose foster daughter is getting married on Friday and Saturday.”

Residents in the Kpansia area of Yenagoa, where the President has a house had been complaining of being molested by soldiers who have taken over the street from Nikton junction down.

It was near that area where members of President Jonathan’s family had become targets of kidnappings.

Chief Nitabai, Jonathan’s uncle, was recently abducted in one kidnapping case, and later freed for N500 million ransom. On the day he was freed another member of President Jonathan’s family, a cousin, was rescued from a failed kidnapping attempt.

The planned wedding ceremonies are expected to go on as planned despite grumbling from many in the local business community.