Posted by By FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa on
The wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Margaret Alamieyeseigha, was Tuesday arrested in London by operatives of the Metropolitan Police for allegedly aiding and abetting felony.
The wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Margaret Alamieyeseigha, was Tuesday arrested in London by operatives of the Metropolitan Police for allegedly aiding and abetting felony.
This is coming at a time pressure mounts on members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who is standing trial in London over alleged money laundering.
Daily Sun gathered that operatives of the London Metropolitan Police stormed the London residence of Gov. Alamieyeseigha and took away his wife.
A statement by Ebi Avi, press secretary to Mrs. Alamieyeseigha, said the governor's wife is being accused of money-laundering, the same offence for which her husband is standing trial.
While saying that the arrest of Mrs Alamieyeseigha was disturbing as she is ill and in trauma following her husband's ordeal, Avi said, "it follows a familiar pattern of persecution being meted against the person and office of the Governor of Bayelsa State. We suspect that both the British and Nigerian governments want him to break (Alamieyeseigha) down, but we thank God, he remains in high spirits even in this trying times."
The statement recalled that the "Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, (SAN) told a London Court not to allow the governor return home. Shortly afterwards, there were reports that the President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo wants Governor Alamieyeseigha removed from office," adding: "that the wife of the governor, who has been with the husband in London since this ugly incident started, is being arrested now is cowardly and an act of psychological warfare, which, no doubt, will fail as similar evil plots."
Meanwhile, as the state's House of Assembly reconvened Tuesday, there were speculations that some of lawmakers have signified their readiness to commence impeachment process against the governor. But the Speaker, Boyelayefa Debekeme appealed to them during Tuesday's sitting, to stand for the overall interest of the state.
Said he: "I wish to express my gratitude to my fellow honourable members and to all our supporters and constituents for the peaceful manner in which they have conducted themselves in spite of the fact that the state has been faced with traumatic events and problems during this period.
"The House will not participate in any way in increasing the tension occasioned by this unfortunate situation but rather commit the state to the throne of God Almighty. We are heartened that this honourable House has remained the symbol of peace and unity in the entire state in these trying times."
Debekeme equally appealed to members to resist any attempt from any quarter to destabilise the state.
His words: "It is our sacred duty to serve the people of the state against all odds.
We have established a record of stability and competence in undertaking our tasks that is enviable. Because of this, there are those who wish to undermine our will and determination. Therefore, I appeal to my dear colleagues to remain steadfast in our dedication to the task of carrying out the sacred mandate entrusted to us by the electorate."
While commending the lawmakers for their "unchallenged loyalty and support" since the House was inaugurated, the Speaker noted that the fact that the PDP has overwhelming majority was an indication that "we belong to the same family," adding, "it is our obligation to the people to legislate on their behalf and we shall not relent in this noble task."