By Ben Ogbemudia
Following the delay in inaugurating the Niger Delta Development Commission Board screened and cleared the Nigeria Senate, former Chief Whip of the 4th Senate, Senator Roland Owie on Thursday called on the 7th Senate to stop the further desecration of the nation’s hallowed Chamber and play by the rules.

Senator Owie made the call against the backdrop of re-screening another set of individuals for the same position which they have earlier screened selected board members presented to them by the President and the screening of an Independent Electoral Commissioner.

“I urge my colleagues, Distinguished Senators not to allow further denting of the image of The Red Chamber.

“The Red Chamber is being brought to ridicule and we should all strive to halt the slide into disrepute.
“All of you sitting Senators are collectively representing Nigerians and at the same time, our own ambassadors.

“Insults on you, sitting Senators, are also insults on The Senators’ Forum of Nigeria.

“The Senate is going to sit for two examinations now: Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board members screening and Lady Lauretta Onochie’s screening for the position of Independent Electoral Commissioner, (INEC)
“For the sake of justice, and the credibility of the Senate, do not re-screen new members for the board of the NDDC.

“Let the members you earlier screened and cleared be inaugurated.

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“Also, Lady Onochie is a known card-carrying member of a political party and should not be cleared.
“Clearing her and re-screening another set of people for the NDDC board membership would meàn a direct violation of the Senate rules and a breach of the Nigerian constitution”, Senator Owie urged the Nigerian Senate.