A former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has condemned the removal of the member representing Udu State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Collins Egbetamah.
In a statement on Wednesday, Omo-Agege faulted the process through which Egbetamah was removed, describing the action as unconstitutional, arbitrary and politically motivated.
Omo-Agege alleged that the Assembly denied Egbetamah a fair hearing before declaring his seat vacant, insisting that the decision violated the provisions of the Constitution and undermined the mandate freely given to the lawmaker by the people of Udu.
He argued that the House relied on Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution without considering the constitutional exception that permits defection where there is a division within a political party.
According to him, the factual issues surrounding the defection were never subjected to legislative scrutiny or judicial determination, alleging that the process was deliberately rushed to achieve a predetermined outcome.
Describing the Assembly’s action as “hasty, arbitrary, oppressive and illegal,” the former senator maintained that a legislative mandate could not be extinguished through a voice vote conducted without affording the affected lawmaker an opportunity to defend himself.
He warned that bypassing due process erodes constitutional democracy and encourages injustice, stressing that Nigeria “is not a Banana Republic.”
Omo-Agege recalled that a similar attempt was made during his tenure as senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District but was overturned by the judiciary.
Citing his own case as a precedent, he said it reinforced the importance of judicial independence in protecting democratic rights.
The former deputy senate president also accused the ruling party in Delta State of orchestrating the removal out of fear of defections, claiming the move was aimed at suppressing political opposition rather than upholding constitutional provisions.
He said the people of Udu Local Government Area had been left without representation despite electing Egbetamah, whom he described as having endured years of political persecution for holding dissenting views.
Omo-Agege called on the Delta State House of Assembly to immediately reverse its decision and accord Egbetamah a fair hearing.
He further urged the courts to expedite any legal challenge arising from the matter to ensure that Udu State Constituency is not left without representation as a result of what he termed an arbitrary and premeditated decision.
(The Whistler)
