By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
The immediate past chief whip in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Tonye Emmanuel Isenah, member representing Kolu okuma/Opokuma constituency I, on Thursday emerged the speaker of the sixth Assembly.
The Peoples Democratic Party has majority members in the new assembly, with 19 members as against four for the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Also, Hon. Abraham Ingobere, member representing Brass constituency III has been elected deputy speaker of the assembly.
In his acceptance speech, the new speaker, promised to support the executive arm to ensure that the Governor Seriake Dickson-led ‘Restoration Government’ delivers on his promises to the people of the state.
Isenah said: “This assembly will work harmoniously with the executive to deliver on his mandates and campaign promises to the people of the state.
“As legislators, we will work on those laws that will affect the masses positively, because we want to run people oriented legislature,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State government has hailed the emergence of Rt. Hon. Tonye Isenah as the speaker of the 6th Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
The commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson said in a statement that the peaceful election of Isenah was another clear evidence of the stable political space in the state.
Iworiso-Markson lauded members of the assembly for their display of political maturity in ensuring a seamless transition of legislative power.
He said the lawmakers by their peaceful conduct and disposition reinforced the new political order in the state which Governor Dickson had worked tirelessly to maintain since 2012.
While congratulating Isenah, his deputy, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, the leader, Hon. Monday Obolo Bubou and other principal officers of the assembly for their victories, Iworiso-Markson expressed confidence that the new leadership will deliver on the expectations of Bayelsans.
“The news of the inauguration of the leadership of the 6th Bayelsa State House of Assembly is very cheering and commendable. The Assembly has made the state proud by having a seamless transition which is a huge feat.
“The government of His Excellency, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson will be looking forward to a robust relationship with the new leadership to move our state to greater heights.
“We urge the Rt. Hon. Tonye Isenah led 6th assembly to consolidate on the achievements of the 5th assembly and also play their role to ensure that a worthy successor for Governor Dickson emerges,” he said.