House to Investigate Member Over Solidarity Visit to Rivers Governor

• The House of Representatives will investigate Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere for allegedly misrepresenting the House during a visit to Governor Fubara
• Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi claimed Ugochinyere misrepresented an oversight assignment as a solidarity visit by a 50-member House delegation

The House of Representatives directed its Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) for allegedly misrepresenting the House during a recent visit to Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

This decision followed a Point of Privilege raised by Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau), citing Order 6, Rules 1, 2, and 3 of the House. Gagdi reported that Ugochinyere claimed a House delegation, spanning various parties, paid a solidarity visit to Governor Fubara. However, Gagdi clarified that House Committee on Local Contents members were on an oversight assignment in Rivers State and decided to call on the governor. He stated that reports of a 50-member House delegation showing solidarity amounted to misrepresentation.

Gagdi felt his privilege as a House member was breached and requested that Ugochinyere clarify if the House sent an official delegation. Rep. Mark Essiet attempted to explain the situation but was ruled out of order by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who emphasized that a point of privilege is not debatable. Kalu stressed the need for an investigation to clear the House’s name.

The matter was referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges. According to reports, Ugochinyere, during a Thanksgiving service marking Governor Fubara’s first anniversary in Port Harcourt, stated that 50 federal lawmakers visited Rivers to show solidarity and celebrate the governor’s leadership. He mentioned that these lawmakers included members of the PDP, Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the APC.

Ugochinyere highlighted Governor Fubara’s significant governance, peace, unity, and infrastructure achievements. He argued that Fubara’s success had attracted national attention. Ugochinyere, a spokesperson for a coalition of opposition lawmakers, has strongly supported Governor Fubara, especially following a dispute between Fubara and his former political mentor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.