Delta Assembly Suspends Lawmaker

Delta State House of Assembly Slams Suspension Order on Lawmaker for Gross Misconduct

The Delta State House of Assembly on earlier today May 14, 2024, suspended the member representing Ughelli North 1 State Constituency, Hon Matthew Omonade, for alleged gross misconduct. The suspension order, pronounced by Speaker Rt Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, followed a motion raised by Majority Leader Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, 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, 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. This, according to the Majority Leader, violates the standing order and rules of the House hence, the need for the suspension.

The Speaker, 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 established 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. DS Olorogun serving as Secretary.

According to the Assembly speaker said the action by the Delta State House of Assembly demonstrates its commitment to upholding the integrity and dignity of the legislative body.