Condemnations have continued to trail the recent suspension of a lawmaker in Rivers State and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chikere Wanjoku.
Reacting , the Senator representing Rivers South East, Senator Magnus Abe , said the decision is a calculated attempt to suppress divergent views and stifle the voice of opposition in the state.
His words: “I have been very concerned since I got the news of the suspension of Hon Chikere Azubike Wanjoku, member representing Ikwerre constituency in Rivers State House of Assembly by a resolution of the house. My concern stems from what that decision portends for the institution of the State House of Assembly as the suspension is calculated to stifle the voice of opposition and suppress divergent views necessary for good governance and the sustenance of democracy.
“The decision suspending Hon Azubuike Wanjoku goes against the grain of decent legislative practice. He was not given fair hearing neither were the issues against him canvassed to the knowledge of the public.
“As a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I am concerned that some of these actions at the end of the day could affect the reputation built for the house by the collective labour of Rivers legislators over the years.
“The house must understand that they are not just today’s members, but inheritors of the proud and lofty mandate that has attracted the confidence of Rivers people throughout its existence.
“Suspension of an elected official is an abrogation of the constitutional right of his constituency to be adequately represented in the affairs of the state.
“Rivers State House of Assembly must rise above parochial partisan divisions and allow Rivers state to find peace. The decision to suspend an elected member particularly one elected on the platform of the opposition does nothing to change the narrative of division and bitterness that has defined our politics. We can and we must do things differently.
“I therefore call on the Rivers State House of Assembly to rescind the suspension of Hon Chikere Byke Wanjoku , member representing Ikwerre Constituency, and restore his legitimate constitutional rights, and the right of the people of Ikwere state constituency to be represented in the affairs or Rivers state” Abe reiterated .
