Bayelsa Speaker Impeached

Photo: 

Sun News Publishing

By: 

Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

Date: 

Tue, 06/05/2012 

The political climate in Bayelsa State was tensed yesterday as members of the State House  of Assembly impeached their Speaker, Kombowei Friday Benson just after three months in office.  His impeachment has, however, sparked controversy with sources in his office saying the impeachment would not stand as the members did not form quorum.

 Sixteen members of the 24 members that made up the House were present and they claimed they have the support of the other members who are principal members in the Assembly. The impeachment which was carried out under heavy security and heavy rain lasted 30 minutes and saw the emergence of Hon Fini Angaye representing Kolokuma/ Opokuma Constituency 2.

Angaye was the former deputy speaker in the administration of former governor Timipre Sylva and he emerged acting Speaker when the Supreme Court terminated Sylva’s tenure and the then Speaker Nestor Binabo became the acting governor.

The member representing Ogbia Constituency II, Obedience Emoton moved the motion for impeachment and a former speaker, Nestor Binabo nominated Angaye, his former deputy for the position which was accepted by all present

 Angaye immediately after he was inaugurated declared that “I have now become their servant and at any point in time when I go astray, they should correct me.”  In an interview, he said “Bayelsa State House of Assembly has effected a change,” explaining that when members state their problem it meant that they wanted a change.

Angaye however declined comments on the reason for impeaching his predecessor saying “All I can tell you is that I have come to serve the people of Bayelsa State and move the state forward” There was no sign that the lawmakers would carry out the impeachment of the Speaker after 20 of them were together in Lagos with other power brokers in the state including Governor Henry Dickson on Sunday for the child dedication of a Presidential aide, Ho Waripamowei Dudafa. Investigations revealed that on arrival the lawmakers decided to effect a change before the arrival of Dickson who arrived the state Monday evening.

 Sources in the House of Assembly stated that Komobowei might have run into trouble with his colleagues over the way he has been romancing with the executive.

Most of the lawmakers were said to have been aggrieved with the way some of the privileges they enjoyed under previous governors was said to have been stopped under Dickson and with Kombowei showing indifference to their complaints.

Sources said some of his colleagues have accused him severally of surrendering the independence of the House to the executive because of his obsession to remain Speaker.  Impeccable sources said the choice of Angaye was agreed upon by major players in the House considering his experience.

 The Special Adviser to the sacked Speaker on Media and Publicity, Piriye Kiyaramo said 11 members forced their way into the chamber and carried out the action.    Sources close to Bayelsa state Government House said Dickson was shocked to hear the news on arrival in Bayelsa.

  A very reliable source said the Governor though taken aback by the impeachment of the Speaker of the House which he has commended severally in the past for their dedication and commitment to the executive efforts to sanitize the state is watching unfolding events since he believes the House is an independent arm of government.  Sources said series of meeting are going on in the Government House to resolve the calm the situation. 

SOURCE: 5 June 2012. http://sunnewsonline.com/