Bayelsa Assembly Directs CJ to Set Up Probe Panel on Deputy Governor

Amidst tight security the Bayelsa House of Assembly, South-South, Nigeria, today passed a resolution directing the State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Ebire, to set up a seven-man panel to probe the allegations made against the embattled Deputy Governor, Peremobowei Ebebi, by the House Of Assembly on the impeachment notice.

In a brief sitting that lasted for about 18 minutes Presided over by the Speaker, Werinipre Seigbarugu, at the council chambers this morning, the House apparently was adopting Section189 (5) of the constitution, which states that  “Within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions of this section, the Chief Judge of the State shall at the request of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, appoint a panel of Seven Persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or any political party, to investigate the allegations as provided in this section.”

P.M.NEWS gathered that the lawmakers would be paid their “constituency Allowance” today.

However, the House Committee Chairman on Information, Konbowei Benson and the Acting Commissioner Of  Information, Nathan Egba, have both denied the allegation that N100 million was doled out to each of the lawmakers as inducement to impeach the Deputy Governor.

Meanwhile, there were indications that Ebebi, who is a lawyer, may be heading for the court to challenge his impeachment.

—Okafor Ofiebor