ASABA — The Delta State House of Assembly’s recent decision to declare the seat of Hon. Collins Egbetanmah vacant has sparked heavy criticism, with prominent political figures labeling the move as an act of selective justice and political witch-hunting.
Hon. Egbetanmah, who represents the Udu Constituency, recently faced legislative ouster following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Reacting to the development, Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Mercy Eguriase Sule JP, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) candidate for the Ethiope East House of Assembly seat, strongly condemned the assembly’s leadership.
Speaking to reporters, the Urhobo-born philanthropist and Diaspora Ambassador argued that the law must be an impartial shield rather than a political weapon used at the whim of the ruling party.
Chief Mercy emphasized that political defection was a common phenomenon in Delta State’s political landscape, pointing out the glaring double standards in how the house enforces constitutional rules regarding party switching.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should not be enforced based on political convenience,” Chief Mercy stated. “If the law against defection is to be applied, it must be applied equally to everyone without fear or favor.”
She pointed out that high-ranking officials within the current administration, including the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the current Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emos Guwor, have historical ties to political defections, yet never faced the forfeiture of their seats.
Chief Dr Mrs Mercy Eguriase Sule noted that several other legislators who defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC last year continue to sit comfortably in the hallowed chambers without consequence.
While our investigative desk continues to unravel the clandestine motive, it was gathered that the motion to declare Egbetanmah’s seat vacant was moved by the House Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo.
However, findings gathered by this platform suggest that internal party friction may have fueled the swift legislative action.
Sources close to the assembly allege that Hon. Nwaobi’s moves might be driven by personal political grievances.
Reports indicate that Nwaobi was recently denied a return ticket by his political party and failed to scale the screening process.
An assembly insider, speaking on the condition of anonymity, hinted that internal envy could be at play.
According to the source, certain lawmakers who feel trapped by their own party failures are frustrated that they could not smoothly execute their own defections, leading them to retaliate against colleagues who successfully crossed the political aisle.
Efforts to reach the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly via telephone for official clarifications were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as calls to his line went unanswered.
