By Philip Nyam Abujay 


For allegedly maligning the House of Representatives on its unwavering stance on the amendment of the Electoral Act, Hon. E. Johnson Agbonayinma (APC, Edo) may be suspended from the parliament.

The lawmaker is to face the ethics and privileges committee headed by Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai to defend himself.

Agbonayinma is alleged to have in an interview with Channels Television said the National Assembly did not follow due process in the controversial amendments.

The decision to refer his case to the ethics committee was taken following the approval if a motion brought through a point of order by Hon. Awaji Abiante (PDP, Rivers).

While moving the motion, Abiante complained that the comments made by Agbonayinma in the said interview was a breach of his privilege and capable of dragging the House to disrepute.

According to him, the actions of the lawmaker infringed on his rights and should be investigated.

Supporting the motion, chairman of the committee on public petitions, Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta (PDP, Abia) said the comments accredited to Agbonayinma not only send wrong signals but were capable of tarnishing the image of the House.

“I believe the parliament works in harmony. Casting aspersions on the House may tarnish its integrity. Members should be careful when addressing the press”.

Also supporting the motion, Hon. Daniel Asuquo(PDP, Cross-River) said he watched he programme and was shocked that a member of the House could honour of his way to disparage the institution.

He suggested that Agbonayinma be given the same treatment as former chairman of the appropriations committee, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin who just resumed from suspension.

“He should be suspended just like one of our member who just returned from legislative sabbatical.”

Former House spokesman, Hon. Zakari Mohammed (APC, Kwara), in his submission cautioned his colleagues against kicking against decisions taken by the House.

He said once a decision is taken by the House, it is binding on everyone even those that are absent from the chambers.

In his contribution, Hon. Razak Atunwa (APC, Kwara) suggested that if the issue at stake borders on privileges of lawmakers, it should be referred to the ethics and privileges committee.

Similarly, Hon. Jerry Alagbaso (PDP, Imo) advised the house to engage in issues that would promote peace and unity of the nation.

In his ruling, the Speaker Yakubu Dogara, said the National Assembly had followed the same procedures in amending the electoral act over the years even before Agbonayinma became a legislator and sees no reason why he would allege that due process was not followed.

“This House has churned out Electoral Act before you became a member. But he had the opportunity to express ignorance. I don’t think he can school us on parliamentary procedures.”

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