The Bayelsa State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Tonye Isenah is engulfed in a fresh crisis that has resulted in the emergence of two parallel leaderships, both members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The crisis in the assembly that is made up of 24 members began when the incumbent speaker called the house to order about 10:00 am today, indefinitely adjourned proceedings before thugs suspected to be his supporters carted away the mace, a symbol of authority in the assembly.
It was learnt that over a week ago Isenah had been under intense pressure to resign his position to give way for a new leadership or face impeachment today.
It was alleged that some suspected supporters of Isenah stormed the assembly shortly after proceedings was adjourned, fired warning shots into the air, throwing the whole chamber into a state of confusion before fleeing the legislative chamber with the mace.
Shortly after security personnel deployed the assembly brought the situation under control, journalists were ordered out of the chamber, as the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abraham Nigobere took over proceedings in the absence of the speaker who left with some members of the house.
A motion of impeachment of the speaker was raised by the member representing Sagbama Constituency 2, Hon. Benerd Kenebai, under matter of urgent public importance and was seconded by Hon. Naomi Benjamin Ogoli, a member representing Ogbia Constituency 3.
The petitioner, Hon. Kenebai alleged that the embattled speaker, Isenah, committed offences ranging from gross misconduct to derogation of duty, and should, therefore, be impeached in accordance with the rules of the house.
After hearing the motion of impeachment against the speaker, the house with the approval of the acting speaker, Hon. Ngobere, unanimously agreed and declared that Hon. Isenah is impeached and no longer the speaker of the state assembly.
Thereafter, a motion to nominate Hon. Monday Obolo to immediately take over from Hon. Isenah was also raised by Hon. Ofoji Ogboko representing Yenagoa Constituency 1, which was seconded by Hon. Naomi Benjamin Ogoli representing Ogbia Constituency 3.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Obolo appreciated the members of the house for finding him worthy, assuring them that he will follow the guidelines of the house in order to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
He said: “I want to appreciate you from the bottom of my heart for this extraordinary favour to an ordinary citizen, for you to have found me worthy at this time of our democracy in the state assembly of Bayelsa.”
