By:Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa.
Speaker of the Bayelsa state House of Assembly, Hon. Monday Obolo Wednesday resigned his position.
Presiding plenary before the resignation, Obolo said he has to do so following the zoning formula of key executive and Legislative positions amongst the three senatorial zones of the state.
He thanked members for cooperating with him in moving the state forward during his time as a speaker.
The immediate past speaker represents Southern Ijaw constituency (ii) and is a third-term member of the House.
“I thank all Honourable members for their support during the few months I presided as the speaker. There’re times when there’s just one decision to take and you have two contenders. But you’ve to take just one decision. After taking that decision a member thinks you’ve favoured one, but honourable members you cooperated with me.”He said.
” In line with the zoning arrangement of the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor and speaker amongst the three senatorial districts in the state,I hereby step outside as your speaker.” He added.
In a similar vein, the House unanimously have elected former deputy speaker, Abraham Ngobere as the substantive speaker.
Ngobere representing Brass constituency( iii) has served as deputy speaker of the House with three former speakers.
Other members elected as principal officers are, Honourables Mike Ogbere as deputy speaker, immediate past speaker, Monday Obolo, Leader.
Others are, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, Chief Whip while Gibson Munalayefa was elected as deputy Whip.
It would be recalled that Hon. Monday Obolo was elected speaker of the Bayelsa state House of Assembly on 30th September 2019 following the leadership crises which rocked the House weeks leading to the 2019 Gubernatorial election of the state.