Bayelsa State House of Assembly | |
|---|---|
| Bayelsa State Legislature | |
| Type | |
| Type | |
Term limits | None |
| Leadership | |
Speaker | |
Deputy Speaker | Hon. Michael Ogbere |
Leader of the House | Hon. Monday Obolo Bubou |
Deputy Leader | Hon. Bernard Kenebai |
Chief Whip | Hon. Gabriel Ogbara |
Deputy Whip | Hon. Ted Elemeforo |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 24 |
Length of term | 4 years |
| Meeting place | |
| House of Assembly Complex, Onopa, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State | |
| Website | |
| Bayelsa State House of Assembly | |
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly is the legislative body responsible for making laws, representing the people, and overseeing the executive arm of the Bayelsa State Government in Nigeria. As a unicameral legislature, it was established under Section 90 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Assembly is made up of 24 members, each elected for a four-year term to represent single-member constituencies across the state. These members are chosen through a simple majority vote.
The Assembly is led by a Speaker, who oversees its proceedings and ensures that legislative activities are conducted in an orderly and efficient manner. As of June 6, 2023, the current Speaker is Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Brass Constituency 3. His election to the role marked his appointment as the 7th Speaker in the Assembly's history. [1] The Bayelsa State House of Assembly plays a vital role in shaping state policies, passing laws, and holding the executive accountable, contributing significantly to the state's governance.
The primary responsibility of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly is to enact laws that promote peace, order, and effective governance within the state. The Constitution empowers the Assembly with several critical functions, including approving budget estimates submitted by the executive branch, legislating on chargeable rates and their collection by local government councils, confirming gubernatorial appointments, and overseeing the activities of government agencies. The Assembly also monitors the implementation of executive policies, holds commissioners accountable by summoning them to address issues within their ministries, and has the authority to initiate impeachment proceedings to remove the governor or deputy governor when necessary.
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has demonstrated its authority in holding top officials accountable through impeachment proceedings. For instance, former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was impeached [2] on December 9, 2005, on charges of corruption, marking a significant event in the state's political history. Similarly, former Deputy Governor Peremobowei Ebebi faced impeachment during his tenure for alleged misconduct. [3]
In the aftermath of Deputy Governor Peremobowei Ebebi's impeachment, the Speaker of the House at the time, Rt. Hon. Werinipre Seibarugo, was sworn in as the new deputy governor to fill the vacant position, reflecting the Assembly's role in ensuring continuity in governance.
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly comprises 24 elected representatives, each representing a constituency within the state.
Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Brass Constituency 3, currently serves as the Speaker, a role he assumed on June 6, 2023, making him the 7th Speaker in the Assembly's history.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Michael Ogbere, also a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), represents Ekeremor Constituency III.
As of 2024, the members of the Bayelsa State legislature include:
| Name | Constituency | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Hon. Charles Daniel | Brass I | PDP |
| Hon. Omubo Timinyo | Brass II | APC |
| Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere (Speaker) | Brass III | PDP |
| Hon. Onyinke Godbless | Sagbama I | PDP |
| Hon. Bernard Kenebai | Sagbama II | PDP |
| Hon. Ebizi Brown | Sagbama III | PDP |
| Hon. Obodor Mitema | Ogbia I | PDP |
| Hon. Gibson Munalayefa | Ogbia II | PDP |
| Hon. Ogoli Naomi | Ogbia III | PDP |
| Hon. Egba Ayibanengiyefa | Yenagoa I | PDP |
| Hon. Waikumo Amakoromo | Yenagoa II | APGA |
| Hon. Teddy Tombara | Yenagoa III | PDP |
| Hon. Felix Bonny-Ayah | Southern Ijaw I | PDP |
| Hon. Bubou-Monday Obolo | Southern Ijaw II | PDP |
| Hon. Malon Moses | Southern Ijaw III | PDP |
| Hon. Victor-Ben Selekaye | Southern Ijaw IV | APC |
| Hon. George Braah-Okigbanyo | Nembe I | APGA |
| Hon. Edward Brigidi | Nembe II | APC |
| Douglas Samson | Nembe III | APC |
| Hon. Werinipre Pamoh | Kolokuma/Opokuma I | PDP |
| Hon. Fafi Wisdom | Kolokuma/Opokuma II | PDP |
| Hon. Tare Porri | Ekeremor I | PDP |
| Hon. Mitin Living | Ekeremor II | PDP |
| Hon. Michael Ogbere (Deputy Speaker) | Ekeremor III | PDP |
| Tenedia Adogu | Clerk of the House | ● |