Constituents of Bayelsa East Senatorial District of Bayelsa State have threatened to begin a process of recalling Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, representing the constituency in the Senate.
The angry constituents, comprising mainly students, accused the ‘common sense’ senator of neglecting them as well as having no plans for his constituency.
Murray-Bruce’s constituency comprises Nembe, Brass and Ogbia local government areas of the state.
Leaders of student bodies for the three LGAs dropped their recall threat in a statement signed by Samuel Tari (Nembe), Ambrose Joseph (Brass) and Mark John (Ogbia).
They lamented that the senator was not in good relationship with his people and had allegedly continued to shy away from his constitutional responsibilities.
They cried out that the senator was donating relief materials to people in other states whereas his own constituents were wallowing in abject poverty with many students from the constituency unable to pay their school fees.
Besides, they (constituents) claimed that since Murray-Bruce was elected their representative in the National Assembly, he had yet to visit his people.
They said, “Since Murray-Bruce became a senator, he has failed to look into the basic needs and challenges currently bedeviling the Bayelsa East Senatorial District, such as issues of education, as most of our students cannot access good quality education.
“He has failed to attract a single project to the district in terms of infrastructure, roads and others. He has continuously and deliberately ignored efforts by the people to create a working relationship that will bring out purposeful leadership for our people.”
The constituents added, “We are, hereby, giving him an ultimatum of 10 days, starting from August 21, 2017. If he fails to meet with us, we shall take our protest to the National Assembly.”
However, the Personal Assistant to the Senator, Mr. William Bruce, said the allegation was untrue, stressing that “Murray-Bruce is a man of the people.”
William said Murray-Bruce had been offering assistance to many people including his constituents as much as he could.
The senator’s PA stated, “We do for people as much as we can all the times. They (those complaining) have not come to approach us for any help or anything. We try as much as possible to help everybody in whichever way we can.”