House of Representatives suspends MP Ugochinyere for politicising his oversight duties in Rivers

MP Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau) informed the House on Thursday while moving a motion for personal explanation in plenary in Abuja that his privileges as a member of the House had been revoked.

He said some media reported that about 50 members of the House paid a solidarity visit Governor Similaye Fubara of Rivers during her visit to the state.

He added that such a statement from Ugochinyere was in poor taste and made the House of Representatives look like it was taking a stand on political matters. He said the report presented the story as if the members had visited the governor on behalf of the House of Representatives while in Rivers on an oversight capacity and decided to greet the governor.

Gagdi said Ugochinyere issued a statement after the visit which was published in the media, adding that her visit gave the impression that it was a delegation from the House of Representatives who were visiting the governor.

MP Mark Essien (PDP-Akwa-Ibom), however, said the matter was irrelevant and should not be taken up further as there were more important matters of national importance that needed to be addressed.

In his decision, the deputy spokesman said: MP Benjamin Kaluwho presided over the plenary session, said that the House leadership would examine the report, adding that if necessary, the matter would be referred to the Committee on Privileges and Ethics for further investigation.

Some dissatisfied members wanted to comment on the issue, but Kalu denied them the opportunity, arguing that personal statements were not up for debate.