The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned move by the House of Representatives to refer Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere to its Committee On Ethics for probe over his solidarity visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Chief Chukwudi Ezeobika , Chairman, Media Committee of CUPP stated this in a statement on Friday.
According to Ezeobika, 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.
The coalition then called on the Leadership of the House of Representatives to reverse the move, saying that it is ill-informed.
CUPP maintained that : “Freedom Of Peaceful Assembly and Association remains inalienable And Guaranteed By The Nation’s Constitution.
“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, remains mind-boggling and inconceivable under a democratic dispensation.
“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.
“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 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.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
