The Delta State House of Assembly has defended its decision to declare the seat of the lawmaker representing Udu Constituency vacant, insisting that the action was based strictly on constitutional provisions.
The Assembly said its decision was not politically motivated, contrary to claims in some quarters, but was taken in line with the 1999 Constitution.
Speaking in Asaba, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, said the lawmakers acted within the powers granted to them by law after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the lawmaker’s resignation and defection.
According to him, the House carefully examined the resignation and defection letter submitted by the member representing Udu Constituency before arriving at its decision.
He said, **“The House merely carried out its constitutional responsibility after considering the resignation and defection letter submitted by the lawmaker representing Udu Constituency.”**
Nwaobi explained that the Nigerian Constitution clearly spells out the conditions under which an elected lawmaker can leave the political party under which he or she was elected without forfeiting the seat.
He noted that the Constitution only permits such defection where there is a proven division or internal crisis within the political party at the national level.
According to him, no evidence was presented before the Assembly to establish that the lawmaker’s defection fell within that constitutional exception.
He stressed that the House acted strictly in line with the law and not based on sentiments or political considerations.
Nwaobi 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.”**
The House leader further stated that the Assembly’s resolution should not be interpreted as an act of political witch-hunt or vendetta.
He maintained that the lawmakers were only carrying out their constitutional duties to preserve legislative order and uphold democratic principles.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Assembly to constitutional democracy, legislative integrity and the rule of law.
Nwaobi urged members of the public to properly study the relevant constitutional provisions before making conclusions about the Assembly’s action.