By Lanre Oloyede
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned the recent move by the leadership of the House of Representatives to probe the Nation’s Chief Opposition Spokesperson, Hon. Barr. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, together with other members of the House as a result of their recent visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement issued Friday, Chairman Media Committee of CUPP, Barr. Chukwudi Ezeobika, described the move as mind-boggling and inconceivable under a democratic dispensation.
According to Barr. Ezeobika, by referring these Honourable members to the Committee on Ethics for disciplinary action, the leadership of the House has clearly cast doubt on its integrity in the observance and or adherence to the laws which they enact/promulgate.
The legal expert said relying on the point of order/ privilege raised by Yusuf Gagdi of the All Progressives Congress, Plateau State to arrive at such decision is erroneous and grossly misleading.
The former National Legal Adviser of Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, maintained that freedom of peaceful assembly and association remains inalienable and guaranteed by the nation’s constitution.
“The House, by this very action, has impugned on the integrity and sacredness of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) especially Sections 39 and 40 which guarantee Freedom of Expression and the Press as well as that of Peaceful Assembly and Association respectively.
“We, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), hereby call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to, without further delays, retract its ongoing steps in the purported probe of these Honourable members by its Ethics Committee and not engage in any act that may violate the fundamental rights of its members or any member of the public,” Barr Ezeobika stated.
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