According to the report from the Daily Post, The Rivers State caucus in the House of Representatives has officially disavowed one of its members, Dumnamene Deekor, as its leader and spokesman, asserting that he was never designated to speak on behalf of the caucus.
In a formal statement endorsed by the Leader of the Rivers State Caucus in the House, Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante, the caucus rebuffed a statement attributed to the lawmaker that advocated for the disciplinary action against the coordinator of the G-60 Lawmakers in the House, Ikenga Ugochinyere.
Abiante emphasized that the leadership structure of the Rivers caucus in the House has always been predicated on seniority, positing that a second-term lawmaker, like Dum Deekor, is not eligible to lead the caucus when there are more senior legislators present.
Highlighting the fundamental rights and responsibilities of lawmakers, Abiante underscored that every member of the House has the prerogative to comment on issues affecting any part of the nation, as they are duty-bound to uphold the sanctity of Nigeria.
The official statement from the Rivers State Caucus in the House of Representatives expressed its discontent with a statement reportedly issued by Dumnamene Deekor, representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, calling for the reprimand of the Coordinator of the G-60 Lawmakers in the Green Chamber, Ugochinyere Ikenga, regarding his stances on contentious political matters.
He said, "While we acknowledge the right of individuals to express their opinions, we categorically disavow Dum Deekor's self-serving declarations, as he has not been duly chosen by the Rivers State Caucus to speak on our behalf."
The statement further elucidated, "Leadership positions within the Rivers State Caucus in the House of Representatives and the National Assembly are traditionally based on seniority. Honorable Dum Deekor, as a second-term lawmaker, cannot unilaterally assume the role of Caucus Leader amongst legislators with more extensive parliamentary experience."
In setting the record straight, the statement clarified that Deekor, who reclaimed his seat in the House in 2019 after losing it in 2015 due to a Court of Appeal ruling, does not qualify to seek leadership within the Rivers State Caucus due to his tenure limitations.
Castigating Deekor's assertions, the statement dismissed them as unwarranted and unfounded. It urged the public to disregard his pronouncements as unfounded bluster.
The statement concluded by affirming that every member of the National Assembly possesses the right to express their viewpoints in alignment with their beliefs, emphasizing the obligation of lawmakers to not only represent their constituents but also safeguard the interests of the entire nation, as mandated by their oath of office.