Ogheneruona Tejiri, Asaba

Delta State House of Assembly has suspended Hon. Matthew Omonade, member representing Ughelli North 1 State Constituency for alleged gross misconduct.

The suspension order was announced by Rt Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker of the House following a motion raised by Hon. Emeka Nwaobi Majority Leader and Member representing Aniocha North, which was unanimously adopted by the House.

The suspended lawmaker was alleged of willfully and falsely perverting the proceedings of the House of Wednesday, May 8, 2024, this violating the Standing Orders and Rules of the House.

The motion, entitled “MOTION OF BREACH OF PRIVILEGE,” outlined the offenses committed by the lawmaker, including publishing false and perverted reports of the House’s proceedings and making defamatory statements against the House.

Accordng to Hon. Nwaobi, “this violates the Standing Order and Rules of the House hence, the need for the suspension.”

Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, following the resolution of the house, pronounced a 14-legislative-day suspension on the lawmaker, effective immediately. The Member was also ordered to return all government properties, including an official vehicle and was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

A five-man Ad-hoc committee, chaired by Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi, was set up to investigate the alleged gross misconduct.

The committee includes Chief Whip Hon. Perkins Umukoro, Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Fred Martins, Minority Whip Hon. Alapala Ebitonmo and member representing Ika North East, Hon. Marylyn Okowa-Daramola, with Deputy Clerk, Legislative, Mr. D. S Olorogun serving as Secretary.

The Speaker said that this swift action by the House demonstrates its commitment to upholding the integrity and dignity of the legislative body.

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