The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate alleged misinformation by a Plateau lawmaker, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, against Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and 39 other lawmakers, who paid Governor Siminalayi Fubara a solidarity visit in Rivers State.
Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State had led about 39 lawmakers on a solidarity visit to Governor Fubara, to attend the first anniversary of the governor in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital on June 2.
Citing Order Six, Rule One during plenary on June 4, Rep member. Gagdi said his privilege as a member of the House was breached by the visit of some lawmakers to Fubara.
He stated that Rep. Ugochinyere had issued a statement to the press on the visit, giving the impression that the lawmakers represented the House. He further claimed that the lawmakers were members of the Local Content Committee who were in Rivers State on an overnight assignment but used the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to the governor.
But, countering Gadgi’s claim, Ugochinyere and 39 other lawmakers at the plenary on Tuesday, June 11, raised a point of Order 6 on matters of privilege of a malicious and false publication allegedly instigated by Hon. Gagdi.
Ugochinyere further explained to the House that contrary to Gadgi’s claim, he and 39 other lawmakers went on a solidarity visit to the Rivers State governor.
The lawmaker presented proof they went on their own and not on behalf the House of Rwanda, and joined Governor Fubara on a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt to celebrate his one year of transformational leadership.
He also presented proof that they were not members of the House Local Content Committee as claimed by Gagdi.
The lawmaker, therefore, called for sanctions against Gadgi in line with the House rules.
