By Fred Jeremiah
Crisis looms in Bayelsa state government, as the political battle for the soul of the speakership of the house of assembly intends to threaten the career of Tonye Isenah, who is eyeing to take over the mantle of leadership from Governor Dickson seriake. The drama unfolded recently when the House of Assembly impeached the Speaker, Tonye Isenah, sequel to his refusal to resign.
GLOBAL RAYS investigation revealed that there’s an alleged anointed candidate by the governor Seriake Dickson led restoration group whom all supporters and faithful are mandated to give all necessary support and assistance to ascertain that he takes over from Seriake Dickson come November 2019. Our investigation also shows that the alleged anointed candidate is a loyal Party faithful, selfless on efficient service delivery and undoubtly, able and capable to continue the good works and legacies of Seriake Dickson administration restoration Agenda.
In view of the above, the Leader of the House, Monday Bubou-Obolo, who represents Southern Ijaw Constituency 2, was elected speaker amidst sporadic gunshots fired in the Assembly Complex, Yenagoa.
In a swift reaction, Tonye Isenah, has insisted that he remains the substantive speaker of the House, stressing that he had neither resigned nor been impeached.
GLOBAL RAYS reliable gathered that Isenah, who represents Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 1, was removed by 17 out of the 18 Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers of the 24-member House during an impeachment proceeding presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abraham Ingobere, of Brass 3.
The motion for his impeachment was moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Bernard Kenebai representing Sagbama 2.
An improvised mace reportedly brought from the Yenagoa Local Government Council by the lawmaker representing Yenagoa 1, Hon. Oforji Oboku, was used by the legislators to sack Isenah.
Following the motion of Hon.Kenebai, Ingobere conducted a voice-vote during which the participating lawmakers chorused in the affirmative leading to Isenah’s removal as speaker.
Isenah and other principal officers of the House were elected on June 6, 2019 when the Sixth Bayelsa State House of Assembly was formally inaugurated.
Earlier before his impeachment, a mild drama had ensued when the former speaker re-convened a 10-minute plenary and hurriedly adjourned indefinitely after reading vote of proceeding and announcements. At the hallow chamber of the State Assembly, Tonye Isenah, had said, “The House needed to proceed on a long legislative break like the National Assembly and other state legislatures.” Thereafter, GLOBAL RAYS learnt he allegedly left with the official mace alongside four other lawmakers elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), apparently to avert his impeachment.
