POLITICAL INTRIGUE: How long will Okonta last as DTHA speaker?

THERE was palpable tension during and after the sitting of the State House of Assembly yesterday following planned suspension of two members, reportedly considered as a threat to political equation of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, although they came to the House through the PDP ticket.
Vanguard observed that security was beefed up at the main gate leading to the legislative chambers as the gate was shut before the commencement of sitting and only vehicles cleared were allowed in.
Inside sources said that plans were perfected and sealed since last week to place two members from Delta North senatorial district (names withheld) on suspension, reason of which was not disclosed.

But our reporter reliably gathered that since it is most likely that some of the members especially from Delta North senatorial district now in the House might not survive their ongoing election petitions against them, there was need to work out an alignment.

And as a result everything is being done to ensure that whoever occupies the seat of the Speaker of the House, in the event of a re-run of governorship election in the state must be someone that is hundred percent trusted.

Some of these legislators pencilled down for suspension are believed to have been raised from the camp of the wife of the former National Chairman of PDP, Mrs. Mariam Alli and are still not fully trusted even though they have continually pledged their loyalty to the new order, hence the coast is being cleared to pave way for the emergency of a ?loyal? speaker when the die is cast.

Meanwhile, two other nominees sent in by Governor Uduaghan for confirmation namely, a former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism during Ibori era, Mrs. Orezi Esievo and a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor based at Abuja, Mrs. Kate Mudiaga Ehrue were yesterday cleared.

Mr. Ochor Ochor, formerly representing Ukwuani constituency in the House, who was unseated by the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City had earlier been confirmed as Commissioner barely twenty-four hours the court unseated him.

ADDED BY IKAWORLD.COM:

According to a source contacted by phone, with Dr. Okowa fully distracted by the kidnapp of his father, Martins Okonta cannot count on him to rally to his aid should an impeachment move be made against him.