PDP suspends Bayelsa speaker, 5 others

Soji Ajibola, Yenagoa - 15.02.2008

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Honourable Werinipre Seibarugu, and five other members of the party over anti-party activities.

The other members suspended are the chairman of the House Committee on Information, Honourable Robert Enogha; Honour-ables Amalayon Yousou, Ruby Benjamin, Ayobegha James and the caretaker committee chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr. Michael Ogbolosingha.

The suspension order was contained in a press statement signed by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. C.A. Iteidu, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Thursday in Yenagoa.

The affected members were alleged to have participated in the campaign of a non-PDP member, an act the party described as a gross misconduct.

The House speaker was alleged to have been involved in anti-party activities, including intimidation and prevention of party officials from performing legitimate party functions and openly campaigning for a non-party member in PDP election.

The statement added that in view of the enormity of the allegations and having watched the video presentation, the state Working Committee of the party resolved to suspend the affected persons.

When contacted on the telephone, the Special Assistant to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Mr. Peretu Thomas, said he was not aware of any suspension order.

When did the SWC of the party meet? How many members attended the meeting?” he queried.