Bayelsa Speaker Breaks Silence On Impeachment Drama

Bayelsa Speaker Breaks Silence On Impeachment Drama, Silent On Looted Funds

THE Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Kenbowei Benson Friday, has finally broken his studied silence on the seeming bizarre impeachment drama that rocked the home state of Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan, in Southern Nigeria.

But, he remain silent on the public funds that were looted by the impeachment arroe heads. Before now, AkanimoReports had revealed that there was a total of N52 million, around $347,000, that was missing from the vault of the parliament.

A breakdown of the figure showed that there was a previously approved sum of N28 million, about $187,000, that was supposed to be paid to contractors for jobs done, and for the burial of a legislator’s father. Neither the contractors nor the legislator concerned were settled.

At the heat of the impeachment drama early last June, the sum of N24 million, around $160,000, grew wings and disappeared from the Assembly treasury.

At the time, anti-graft crusaders in the predominantly Ijaw state were worried that the anti-corruption agencies in the country under the watch of their kinsman, President Jonathan, were yet to wade into the alleged looting of the Bayelsa Assembly’s treasury by the masterminds of the impeachment exercise.

However, the speaker in his reaction wired to us on Thursday, said: ''For the sake of the records, I want to categorically state that I, as the speaker of the House has never intended to maltreat anybody in our parliament.

''I came into office with enormous goodwill, and with all my God-given experience to move the assembly forward, and by implication, our dear state.

''The issue of my impeachment came at a time I did not expect it. At that time, till this very moment, I have not done anything wrong. I have always guided my administration with the laws and the rules of the House.

''My silence on the impeachment issue was because of my resolve to let things be. I didn't want to join issues with my accusers. That's why I decided to remain silent.

''However, i want to state here that, if any member is dissatisfied with whatever I have done in my official capacity, he/she should bring it to my notice as there are constitutional means and methods to seek redress.

''On that note, I want to say I will continue to carry the leadership and members of the House along in all our affairs, and if I err, I will submit myself honorably to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for investigation.

''I do not intend to be an autocratic leader nor seek to witch-hunt anybody. We were not voted into the House to maltreat one another. I therefore, hope and pray that our Standing Rules and Constitutional provisions will never be undermined again''.

ENDS

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