Delta Assembly Justifies Udu Lawmaker's Seat Declaration Using Constitution

The Delta State House of Assembly has clarified its decision to declare the Udu Constituency representative's seat vacant, asserting that the action aligns strictly with the provisions outlined in the 1999 Constitution. Speaking in Asaba, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, who chairs the House Committee on Information and also serves as the House Leader, provided this explanation.

Nwaobi emphasized that the legislative body operated entirely within its constitutional mandate, dismissing any suggestions of political motivations behind the move. He stated, “The House merely carried out its constitutional responsibility after considering the resignation and defection letter submitted by the lawmaker representing Udu Constituency.”

The Assembly's spokesperson further elaborated that the Constitution explicitly defines the circumstances under which a legislator can switch political parties—the platform on which they were elected—without forfeiting their seat. This singular condition, he noted, is the presence of a division or crisis within the political party at the national level.

According to Nwaobi, the Assembly found no substantiating evidence to indicate that the defection of the Udu lawmaker fulfilled this specific constitutional prerequisite. He reiterated the Assembly's commitment to legal adherence, stating, “The Delta State House of Assembly is guided solely by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Every action taken by the House is rooted in the law, and nothing is done outside the provisions of the Constitution.”

He urged that the Assembly’s resolution should be viewed not as a politically motivated reprisal, but rather as a faithful execution of constitutional duties. The House leader concluded by reaffirming the Assembly's dedication to the principles of the rule of law, constitutional democracy, and legislative integrity, advising the public to review the relevant constitutional sections before forming conclusions on their decision.