The Delta State House of Assembly has defended its decision to declare the Udu Constituency seat vacant, insisting the action was based strictly on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and not influenced by politics.
The Punch reported that chairman of the House Committee on Information and House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, made the clarification while speaking in Asaba, stressing that the Assembly acted within the limits of its constitutional mandate.
According to Nwaobi, the decision followed the consideration of the resignation and defection letter submitted by the lawmaker representing Udu Constituency.
He said, “The House merely carried out its constitutional responsibility after considering the resignation and defection letter submitted by the lawmaker representing Udu Constituency.”
The House leader explained that the Constitution clearly outlines the circumstances under which an elected legislator may defect from the political party that sponsored his or her election without forfeiting the seat.
He noted that such a defection is only permitted where there is a division or crisis within the party at the national level.
Nwaobi maintained that no evidence was presented to the Assembly to establish that the lawmaker’s defection fell within that constitutional exception.
He said, “The Delta State House of Assembly is guided solely by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Every action taken by the House is rooted in the law, and nothing is done outside the provisions of the Constitution.”
He further stated that the Assembly’s resolution should be viewed as the enforcement of constitutional provisions rather than an act of political persecution.
Nwaobi also reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, constitutional democracy and legislative integrity.
He urged members of the public to familiarise themselves with the relevant sections of the Constitution before reaching conclusions about the Assembly’s decision.
