By Samuel Oyadongha
YENAGOA—HISTORY repeated itself in Bayelsa State, yesterday, as the  Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Werinipre Seibarugu was confirmed as the new Deputy Governor of the state.

The confirmation brought to an end 13 days of speculation on who would replace the impeached former Deputy Governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.

Ebebi was removed from office on June 24 by the state assembly over alleged gross insubordination and the governor had been under intense pressure to appoint a new deputy governor.

It was, however, an irony, because Ebebi himself presided as Speaker of the House, during the impeachment of former Governor Dieprieye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, which culminated in his, becoming the deputy to Goodluck Jonathan who took over as governor.

The Speaker had told his colleagues that there was an important message from Governor Timipre Sylva to the House and stepped aside for the deputy, Nestor Binabo, to read the message.

However, before stepping aside, Seibarugu informed the lawmakers that there was no petition before the house but a good message from the governor to the people of the state.

The deputy speaker, Nestor Binabo, who later presided over the House, directed the Clerk to read Governor Sylva’s to the legislators.

Sylva’s letter stated: “The appointment of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. In line with section 191 sub sections 3, the Speaker, Mr. Werinipre Seibarugu is now the Deputy Governor of the state. I have found Seibarugu fit and capable to be the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.”

Governor’s letter

Shortly after reading the governor’s letter to the lawmakers, the Deputy Speaker said the nominee was one of them and asked the legislators to allow the Speaker to come in for screening.

Clad in milk coloured Ijaw traditional attire with a brown resource control hat to match an unassuming Seibarugu was ushered into the floor of the house to a welcome reception from his colleagues.

He was not subjected to any question and answer session having served as two-time Speaker of the House since 2005. Rather, the members offered useful advice to the new deputy governor on how to handle the challenges ahead.

Speaking on the development, the House leader, Nadu Karibo representing Ogbia constituency said the elevation of the speaker was an act of God adding that such needed no introduction.

The lawmakers who voted unanimously in favour of the new deputy governor urged him not to be involved in conflict with the governor.

Meantime, the elevation of the erstwhile Speaker as the new Deputy Governor and the impending changes in the leadership of the House is now causing apprehension among the lawmakers some of whom Vanguard learnt were lobbying to replace Seibarugu.

The position of the Speakership which was initially zoned to Bayelsa Central before the turn of events had now shifted to Bayelsa West.

Specifically, it was learnt that the position had been ceded to Sagbama council area. It was further learnt that some of the lawmakers would have preferred the Deputy Speaker, Nestor Binabo to replace Seibarugu given his maturity and experience but the alleged case of perjury and forgery against him pending in court might work against his choice.