SECURITY THREAT IN BAYELSA: POLICE WRITE DICKSON

Bayelsa State Police command has alerted the state governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, on the possible breach of security in the state following the continued refusal of the state House of Assembly to swear in three elected members three months after a court ruling in their favour.

In a letter addressed to the governor with reference number, AB:0900/BYS/Vol.4/43, by the state Commissioner of Police, Peter Ogunyanwo, the command warned of the consequences of the continued refusal of the House of Assembly to swear in the three Assembly members-elect. According to the letter, the warning was coming on the heels of the request by the three aggrieved state Assembly members-elect and their constituents to the police for permission to stage a “Mega Rally” to the Assembly over the refusal to be sworn in as directed by the court.

The members-elect, Alfred Belemote (APGA, Brass II), Gabriel Ogbara (ADC, Ogbia III) and Gibson Munalayefa (Labour Party, Ogbia II), according to the letter, had stated that they were successful candidates in the state House of Assembly election held June 6, 2015 but the leadership of the state House of Assembly had refused to swear them into office for legislative duties. The letter added: “The trio also alleged that one Benson Kombowei of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, whose election was just conducted on March 11, 2016, was sworn into office immediately after winning the election, whereas the same House has continuously denied them this right since 2015. “In view of the aforesaid development, the Bayelsa Police Command is appealing to your Excellency to prevail on the Speaker and entire leadership of the state House of Assembly to swear into office, the three members in the interest of peace and justice.”