Lawmakers ‘Forcibly’ Removed Bayelsa Speaker With Gunshots

Lawmakers in Bayelsa state House of Assembly forcibly removed the Speaker of the House from office, after a gun invasion of the House.

BIGPEN Online understands that the Speaker, Tonye Isenah was booted out to let the PDP governorship candidate, Douye Diri have unhindered governorship race.

Isenah has been under pressure to relinquish his position as Speaker since he was from the same constituency as Diri who emerged the PDP governorship candidate.

This development had forced intense politicking against Isenah who refused to shift ground to the group asking him to step down from the position.

According to TheCable report, trouble started on Monday after Isenah, who had told reporters on Friday that he would relinquish his position, adjourned plenary indefinitely.

Suspected thugs were said to have invaded the chamber after which the mace was forcefully taken away.

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Some lawmakers later reconvened and took the decision on replacing Monday Obolo, the former majority leader of the house.

Obolo represents southern Ijaw constituency 2.

But Ranami Afagha, spokesman of Isenah, said the impeachment would not stand as it was done against the standing rules of the house.

Afagha said the mace of the house was “violently taken away by thugs”, adding that since the symbol of authority was not in the house, activities of those who removed Isenah were illegal and unconstitutional.