Posted by Soni Daniel, Bisi Olaniyi, Yomi Odunuga and Festus Owete on
Fifteen of the 17 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly who last week initiated an impeachment process against Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha have returned to Yenagoa.
Fifteen of the 17 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly who last week initiated an impeachment process against Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha have returned to Yenagoa.
The lawmakers, who met amid tight security at the Assembly complex on Tuesday, directed the state's Chief Judge, Justice Emmanuel Igonowari, to raise a panel to investigate the allegations of wrongdoings against the embattled governor.
'This impeachment process remains on course. Whether the governor likes it or not, the rule of law will take its course," the new Speaker, Mr. Peremobowei Ebebi, told the legislators.
Ebebi added, 'We want to salvage whatever image is left of any Bayelsan and the Ijaw race. The allegation that we are being sponsored by individuals is neither here nor there, because we are principled individuals.
'We have given enormous support to this administration, but for now, we are saying that Alamieyeseigha should stop chasing shadows and address the issues."
The lawmakers insisted that they did not recognise Alamieyeseigha as the governor, since his deputy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, had been confirmed as the acting governor.
They argued that it was morally wrong for the governor to hurriedly return to the state, after applying for a 120-day leave to enable him 'rest" in London.
The speaker said, 'The acting governor is in control. He (Alamieyeseigha) is only intimidating people. His 120-day leave is very much in effect. We do not recognise his presence. As such, anybody doing business with Alamieyeseigha is doing so at his own risk."
The lawmakers also suspended four of their colleagues alleged to be loyal to the governor.
The suspended lawmakers are: Mr. Nimibofa Ayawei; Mr. Ofoni Williams; Mr. Amakiri Etebu; and Mr. Dudafa Waripamowei.
They were accused of acting 'indiscreetly," thereby bringing the Assembly into disrepute.
And as a prelude to gaining full control of the house, the legislators reinstated the sacked Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Peter George.
They also announced the dissolution of the Mr. Alex Eseimokumoh-led House of Assembly Service Commission, for what they termed 'gross misconduct."
Our correspondents reported that the legislators were ushered into the Assembly complex by a contingent of heavily armed soldiers and riot policemen.
Before their arrival, a detachment of policemen from the Anti-bomb Squad had frisked the premises.
An anti-bomb truck was also stationed at the centre of the complex, while an armoured tank and machine guns were positioned at the entrance.
As soon as the lawmakers got to the assembly, soldiers and riot policemen cordoned off a portion of the ever-busy Yenagoa-Mbiama Road, between Imgbi and Julius Berger junctions.
Immediately after the brief proceedings, the Assembly adjourned indefinitely.
The lawmakers were conveyed (in the same coaster bus that brought them) to an unknown destination by military and police personnel.
Those who also attended the session were: the impeached Deputy Speaker, Mr. Foingha Jephthah Seibarugu Werinipre; Franklin Otele; Augustus Osomu; and Imomotimi Fanama.
Others were: Messrs Robert Enogha; Adolphus Ofongo; Arthur Akpeti; Otobo Opusiri; Bright Erewari; Kalabo Hawkins; Dein Benadoumene; Nelson Belief; and Nadu Karibo.
The newly elected Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Mr. Fred Agbedi; the first Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri; and the newly posted Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Hafiz Ringim, were also in attendance.
Some of the 17 legislators had claimed in interviews that Economic and Financial Crimes Commission forced them to initiate the impeachment proceedings.
Our correspondents however learnt on Tuesday that President Olusegun Obasanjo met on Monday night with the Chairman of the EFCC, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Jonathan over the tension generated by Alamieyeseigha's escape from London where he was standing trial for money laundering..
Others said to be present at the meeting held behind closed doors were the National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Ufot Ekaette.
A dependable source said that the meeting considered several options to contain the rising tension in the state.
According to the source, apart from reviewing the deployment of troops in the state, other political solutions to the crisis were considered.
The source however quoted the President as insisting on the removal of the governor.
'I can confirm to you that the meeting held last (Monday) night in the inner chambers of the Presidential Villa. Jonathan; Ribadu; Gusau; and the SGF attended the meeting.
'The aim was to find the best political solution to the mess in the state. What the president wants and his irreducible minimum is that the governor must be removed, and in quick time too", the source said.
However, one of those present reportedly advised the Federal Government to tread softly in order not to further fuel the impression that it was behind the move to remove Alamieyeseigha.
The source said, 'Various options were considered at the meeting because of the kind of image the governor's action has given to the country. But the President did not mince words when he told them that Alamieyeseigha must go. The President is still embarrassed by the governor's action and he said it is not what he can condone."
The Agence France Presse reported on Tuesday that the Metropolitan Police had issued a warrant for arrest on the governor should he ever return to Britain.
THE PUNCH, Wednesday, November 30, 2005