Rivers State Caucus Urges Speaker Abbas to Reprimand Ugochinyere Over Political Meddling
The Rivers State caucus in the House of Representatives has called on Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas to address the actions of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, who has been interfering in the political crisis in Rivers State.
Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, leader of the caucus, issued a statement on Friday, asserting that the political discord in Rivers State is of no concern to Ugochinyere, who represents Imo State, a region dealing with its own political and social challenges. Dekor emphasized that Ugochinyere has remained silent on issues within his own state while choosing to meddle in matters that do not involve him.
The caucus clarified that the ongoing disagreement in Rivers State has never been raised for discussion in the House of Representatives, making Ugochinyere’s involvement unwarranted. They accused Ugochinyere of abandoning decorum and the responsible conduct expected of his position, suggesting that his interference serves his personal interests.
The statement highlighted that Ugochinyere’s actions outside the House infringe on the privileges of the Rivers State representatives, damage the integrity of the House, and violate the constitution, particularly sections 49 and 72.
“The attention of the Rivers Caucus in the House of Representatives has been drawn to yet another unfortunate and misleading press briefing by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere on Tuesday, regarding the ongoing disagreement between the governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly, and latterly, local government chairmen,” the statement read.
“His latest sponsored intervention is laden with all the ingredients that characterized all his previous outings: blackmail, half-truths, outright lies, misinformation and disinformation, and malicious propaganda.”
The caucus criticized Ugochinyere for issuing prejudicial media statements that undermine due process and ongoing judicial efforts to resolve the conflict in Rivers State. They noted that as someone who occupies his seat due to a court judgment, Ugochinyere’s actions are particularly embarrassing.
In light of these issues, the caucus publicly urged the leadership of the House of Representatives to take immediate action to discipline Ugochinyere, accusing him of bringing disrepute to the House and misleading other members without revealing his personal motives.
“Consequently, we hereby publicly call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to take urgent steps to discipline and rein in this errant member who is gradually bringing disrepute to the House and soliciting the support of some gullible members without fully disclosing his pecuniary interest,” the statement concluded.
