By Chukwudi Obasi, Abuja
The member representing Abua/Odual and Ahoada East Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Solomon Bob, has told his colleague, Ikenga Ugochinyere, who is the spokesperson for opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives, to refrain from speaking on matters concerning Rivers State.
In a press conference yesterday, Bob said Ugochinyere exceeded his boundaries by neglecting his constituency in Imo State to focus on issues in Rivers.
He said Ugochinyere’s action was causing unnecessary tensions.
Bob said that although Ugochinyere is a federal lawmaker, his position needs to grant him the authority to speak on Rivers State matters.
He emphasized that only lawmakers from Rivers, familiar with the state’s issues, should represent its interests.
The Rivers lawmaker further alleged that a Rivers indigene uses Ugochinyere to carry out illegal activities and urged him to redirect his focus to Imo State.
Bob highlighted the challenges in Imo, including the disruption of education and business activities on Mondays due to sitting at home, as issues that demand Ugochinyere’s attention.
He said Ugochinyere’s that a lawmaker’s primary responsibilities are representation, lawmaking, and oversight, rather than interference in the affairs of other states.
He said Ugochinyere could not engage in lawmaking, saying, “I’ve not seen him engage in any lobbying activity in the House of Representatives. He’s been here for a year plus now”.
He said further that sections 49 and 72 of the Constitution tell you clearly that there is no federal constituency or state territories, and, by implication, you cannot speak for any place other than where you represent.
“I have tried to bring these issues before the House leadership to call them to order. As a caucus, we have written to the leadership and the Speaker, mainly to take action on this.
While questioning Ugochinyere’s rise to becoming the chairman of a major committee in the House as a first timer in the House, Bob asked the Speaker to remove him as chairman of a standing Committee of the House.
