Posted by From FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa on
The political crisis rocking the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) snowballed into a major crisis on Monday at the state House of Assembly with the suspension of six lawmakers.
•Adjourns indefinitely
The political crisis rocking the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) snowballed into a major crisis on Monday at the state House of Assembly with the suspension of six lawmakers.
Also, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Werinipre Seibarugu, dissolved outstanding House committees, adjourned indefinitely, ordered the immediate seal-off of the assembly complex and directed workers to go home.
Indications that something unusual was going to happen at the House of Assembly was noticed by residents of Amarata, where the assembly complex is sited and other parts of Yenagoa, when soldiers from the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) and members of the Bayelsa Volunteers took positions around the complex as well as mounted checkpoints in various parts of Yenagoa as early as 6.00 a.m.
The camp of Seibarugu, convinced that the coast was clear, moved into the assembly chambers and deliberated on the actions of their colleagues accused of causing disaffection in the House.
Consequently, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Nestor Benabo moved a motion for the suspension of the members and he was seconded by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Chief Robert Enogha.
In a statement, Enogha, said those suspended indefinitely include, Hon Opusiri Otobo, Nembe constituency 111, Hon Franklin Otele, Yenagoa constituency 111, the Deputy Leader, Hon Komobowei Friday Benson, Southern Ijaw constituency 1V, Hon. Fini Terah Angaye, Kolokuma/ Opokuma constituency 11, Chief Victor Sam Ateke Brass constituency 1, and Hon Ebamugha Empere, Sagbama constituency 111.
Eongha explained that the actions of the suspended members were capable of bringing the House and members to disrepute.
He also said that with the suspension of Hon Friday Bensonhe, he ceased to be deputy leader as the House had replaced him with Hon Kurokegha Dorgu, representing Southern Ijaw constituency 1.
Enogha warned: 'Any of the suspended members found within 200 metres of the assembly complex, while the suspension lasts, will be arrested."
The House also announced the dissolution of the 24 local government development authorities and the eight rural development authorities as requested by Governor Timipre Sylva.
Investigations by Daily Sun revealed that the Seibarugu camp took the action to avert the impeachment of the Speaker and the House leadership, which would have been perfected this week.
Already, lawmakers opposed to Seibaiugu had agreed to replace him with Hon. Ebiotu Seleketimbu, representing Ekeremor constituency 1 as Speaker pro-tempore and at the same time suspend eight lawmakers loyal to the Speaker.
Among the sins they alleged against Seibarugu was disregard for rule of law, incompetence in leading the House and high-handedness.
According to a source at the meeting, members were irked that a letter sent in by the governor requesting the dissolution of the 32 development centres was concealed from other members because of the Speaker's hidden agenda the feuding parties.
The source said lawmakers, who attended the meeting agreed that with all the allegations, including that of anti-party activities, which earned him a suspension from the state chapter of the PDP, it was time for him to go.
Meanwhile, the six suspended lawmakers have claimed they have impeached the Speaker, Hon. Seibarugu and his deputy.
They announced the election of Hon Ebiotu Seleketimbu, from Ekeremor Constituency 2, as Speaker pro-tempore.
Daily Sun gathered that Vice President Goodluck Jonathan is likely to intervene in the crisis rocking PDP in the state. He is said to be working towards reconciling the feuding parties.