Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly,Mr. Konbowei Friday Benson, has said no member of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), including Governor Seriake Dickson, is tied to the party.
The Speaker made this known on the floor of the House shortly after the state lawmakers passed a vote of confidence on Governor Dickson, for his performance since 2012. The House session was the first sitting after resumption from their long recess.
The motion for the vote of confidence was moved by Mr.Tonye Isenah, member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constiuency I.
The Speaker, who also dispelled rumours of possible impeachment of the House leadership and Governor Dickson, said the PDP was not indispensable.
“There is nothing like impeachment here. No one can distabilise the state. Bayelsa as a state was 100 per cent PDP all these while. Before now, all members here were PDP, even those in opposition now. Our members were the one that made APC strong. Our party should 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. Nothing special anywhere even in the face of possible independent candidacy”, 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, Infrastructure. The state is now relatively peaceful.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 any 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. Thank you for your support. I 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.
In the meantime, Governor Seriake Dickson, has forwarded the name of his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as a commissioner.
Mr.Iworiso-Markson, is to appear before the House on Thursday for screening.
