Delta Assembly Counters Omo-Agege, Defends Udu Seat Declaration

The Delta State House of Assembly has defended its decision to declare the Udu State Constituency seat vacant, insisting that the action was taken in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

In a press statement published on the Assembly’s official Facebook page, the Office of the Speaker said the resolution followed “due consideration of documentary evidence before the House” and was made in compliance with Sections 109(1)(g) and 109(2) of the Constitution.

The statement explained that the House acted on documentary evidence of the lawmaker’s resignation and defection, adding that, “The Constitution does not require a judicial determination or a legislative hearing before the Speaker gives effect to Section 109(2) once the factual condition is met.”

Responding to comments by former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, the Assembly said descriptions of its action as “arbitrary, oppressive, and illegal” did not reflect “the facts or the spirit of the Constitution that the House swore to uphold.”

The Assembly further stated that directing its Clerk to notify INEC was aimed at ensuring Udu Constituency was not left without representation, noting that a by-election is the constitutional process for filling the vacant seat. It added that any aggrieved party is free to seek judicial review, expressing confidence in the judiciary.

The statement was signed by Nkem Nwaeke, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.