No plot to impeach house leadership or Dickson ―Bayelsa Speaker

Against the backdrop of rumour plot to impeach Governor Seriake Dickson and the leadership of the house, the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowe Friday Benson, has said dismissed the unfounded rumour, noting that there is no plot to impeach the governor nor the leadership of the state assembly.

It would be recalled that the rumoured impeachment spread like wildfire last week in the state capital, Yenagoa.

This, the Speaker said on the floor of the house in their maiden meeting after returning from recess to resume legislative duties in the state.

Benson averred that nobody could distabilize the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, our members were the ones that made the All Progressive Party (APC) strong and majority has defected back to our party.

He also noted that anyone that is not happy with the ruling party in the state is at liberty to join the over forty political parties, adding than none is tied to the PDP, not even the Governor of myself, but we made our choice freely to be members of the PDP.

The Speaker submitted that Governor Dickson has shown leadership since he assumed office in 2012, and footprint of achievements are evidence in the education, health, security and other infrastructures in the state.

Benson said the Governor has performed beyond imagination and there is no impeachment plot, even as he asked, do you impeach a performer?

He pledge to continue to serve members of the state assembly, stressing that he is not out to witch hunt anybody, nor deny any of their benefit, just as he wouldn’t run any down which is the hallmark of his leadership style.

Benson alluded that what is paramount is for the house to work together, making laws that would support good governance and the development of the people of the state.

The House, however, passed a vote of confidence on Governor Seriake Dickson for his landmark achievements since he took over the reins of power in 2012.

The motion for the vote of confidence was moved by Hon. Tonye Isenah, member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constiuency I.

“There is nothing like impeachment here. No one can distabilize the assembly, Bayelsa is 100 per cent PDP. Our members were the one that made APC strong. Our party stalwarts must be wise. I am not speaking for the Governor. But I know that anyone not happy with PDP is free to
go elsewhere now that we have over forty political parties. Benson stated.

The Speaker who raised the voice votes for the unanimous adoption added: “The Governor deserves commendation for all he has done since 2012, transforming the state education and other infrastructure. The state is now relatively peaceful and the Governor has performed beyond imagination. There is no plot for impeachment. You people have given me the trust to lead and that is what I am doing.

Please, don’t divide the house. On my own, I will not deny member his or her benefits. It is not my plan to look for avenue to run anyone down. My style is for us to live together. I cherish you for your support and pledge my continual loyalty to members to carry out the tasks before us”.

Some of the state lawmakers who spoke on the motion for the vote of confidence on the Governor including Chief Mietema Obodor, and two opposition members, Sunny Isreal Goli of APC and Alfred Watson Belemote of APGA, said they were not aware of any plot to impeach the Speaker and the Governor.

The Speaker, in a closing remark read to house that Governor Seriake Dickson has forwarded the name of his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as a commissioner.

He, however, informed members that the commissioner nominee is to appear before the House on Thursday for screening.