"The members-elect, Alfred Belemote (All Progressives Grand Alliance, Brass 2), Gabriel Ogbara (African Democratic Congress, Ogbia 2) and Gibson Munalayefa (Labor Party, Ogbia 2) stated they were successful candidates in the State House of Assembly elections held on the 6th of June, 2015, but the leadership of the House has refused to swear them into office for normal legislative duties."
Bayelsa State Police Commissioner Peter Ogunyanwo warned State Governor Seriake Dickson on Thursday about a possible breach of security following the refusal of the State House of Assembly to swear-in three elected members three months after the court ruling.
Mr. Ogunyanwo’s letter of warning came after the three State Assembly members-elect requested permission from the police to stage a “mega rally” at the Assembly in protest of its refusal to swear-in the elected members.
According to Mr. Ogunyanwo’s letter, "The members-elect, Alfred Belemote (All Progressives Grand Alliance, Brass 2), Gabriel Ogbara (African Democratic Congress, Ogbia 2) and Gibson Munalayefa (Labor Party, Ogbia 2) stated they were successful candidates in the State House of Assembly elections held on the 6th of June, 2015, but the leadership of the House has refused to swear them into office for normal legislative duties."
“The trio also alleged that one Benson Kombowei of the PDP, whose election was just conducted on March 11th, 2016, was sworn into office immediately after winning, whereas the same House has continuously denied them this right since 2015."
The letter continued, "In view of the aforesaid development, the Bayelsa State Police Command is appealing to your Excellency to prevail on the Speaker and the entire leadership of the State House of Assembly to swear into office the three honorable members in the interest of peace and justice. This is to prevent fresh security threats to the existing ones in Bayelsa State. It would also act as a demonstration and confirmation of your Excellency's large and accommodating heart.”
