I’M AUTHENTIC RIVERS ASSEMBLY SPEAKER–BIPI

As the political crisis in Rivers State lingers, Evans Bipi, who was chosen by lawmakers opposed to Governor Chibuike Amaechi as speaker of the state House of Assembly, has insisted he is the authentic leader of the House. Claiming to have been elected by over 23 members of the House and not five people, as been widely reported, Bipi said he was the presiding officer of the House.
Speaking on Monday night, at the dinner organised by President Goodluck Jonathan, in Abuja, to welcome heads of state and governments that attended the just-concluded Abuja +12 Summit of the African Union, on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), Malaria and other Related Infectious Diseases, he denied punching another lawmaker in the fracas that ensued last week in the chambers.
Last week, following the violent clash by lawmakers loyal and against Governor Amaechi, it was widely reported that five lawmakers, out of the 32 members of the House had impeached the Speaker, Otelemaba Amachree and elected Bipi as the new speaker.
The House had just reconvened for sitting when the fight broke out, causing pandemonium in the chambers. The situation forced the state governor to rush to the assembly.
On the development, Bipi gave thanks to God for giving him the opportunity to serve the people. He said: “I want to thank God Almighty for making it possible for me to serve my people once more. But the only regrettable thing is the governor coming to the hallowed chamber to supervise the beating of my colleagues.
“It is so sad. Governor of a state bringing down all the security apparatus in the government house, including his ADC and CSO beating duly elected members in the hallowed chamber. It is so degrading and embarrassing. So I thank God Almighty.”
On the validity of his election, he said: “Of course, it is not contestable. I remain the speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly because I have not been impeached. A motion for impeachment was placed on the speaker and I emerged as the speaker and I have not been impeached.”
On the allegation that he was the aggressor in the fight last week Bipi said: “Myself punching? That is a framed work of Governor Rotimi Amaechi.” Reacting to the position that only five members voted, he replied: “How would it be five? We formed a quorum. It was a full House and I was duly elected. It was over 23 lawmakers.”
Source: Sun