By Samuel Oyadongha
Yenagoa—The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed August 14, 2010 for the bye-election into the vacant position in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
Vanguard gathered that the need for the bye-election followed the notification of the Commission by the Clerk of state House of Assembly of the existing vacancy.

The Yenagoa Constituency II seat became vacant in the wake of the elevation of former Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Werinipre Seibarugu,  as the state Deputy Governor, following the impeachment of the former Deputy Governor, Mr. Peremobowei Ebebi.

It was learnt that the letter from the Clerk of the assembly, Elder P. George, notifying INEC of the existing vacancy was delivered to the commission penultimate Friday.

A dependable source told Vanguard that the collection of expression of interest forms by aspirants is expected to commence on Friday.

The source said, “contrary to claims in some quarters that INEC had since commenced the sale of forms, the Commission was only informed penultimate week by the Clerk of the assembly about the vacant position and the need for the conduct of a by-election to fill the position.

“I can confidently tell you that election has been fixed for August 14,” the source said. Contacted, INEC spokesman in the state, Timidi Wariowei, confirmed that the bye-election for the vacant position in Yenagoa Constituency II has been slated for August 14, but declined to speak further.

AC task INEC on credible poll

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Action Congress, AC, in the state, Mr. Ebikibina Miriki, has urged the electoral commission to ensure a credible poll, given the fact that it would be the first exercise to be conducted by the Prof Attahiru Jega-led Commission.

According to him, “Nigerians would use the conduct of the poll to test the sincerity of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led Federal Government on its avowed determination to organise free and fair election in 2011.”