The Rivers state caucus in the House of Representatives has disowned one of its members, Dumnamene Deekor as its leader and spokesman, saying he was never instructed to speak on behalf of the caucus.

In a statement signed by the Leader, Rivers State Caucus in the House, Hon. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante, the caucus dismissed a statement credited to the lawmaker, calling for the sanction of the coordinator of the G-60 lawmakers in the House, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere.

Abiante said that the leadership of the Rivers caucus in the House has always been based on seniority, adding that a second term lawmaker cannot therefore lead the caucus when there are more senior lawmakers.

He explained that as a lawnaker, Dum Deekor is aware of the fact that every member of the House has the right to comment on any issue affecting any part of the country as they have sworn to defend the integrity of Nigeria.

The statement reads: “The Rivers State Caucus in the House of Representatives read with dismay a statement purportedly issued by the member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Hon. Dumnamene Deekor calling for the discipline of the Coordinator of the G-60 Lawmakers in the Green Chamber, Hon. Ugochinyere Ikenga over his position on vexed issues in the polity.

“While we wouldn’t stand against the popular phrase: ‘everybody is entitled to his opinion’, we refused to collectively accede to Dum Deekor’s self serving stands as he has never been elected by the Rivers State Caucus to speak on our behalf.

“The National Assembly is not guided by Village Council’s rules and as such everyone reserves the right to make contributions in line with his innate conviction. Hon Ugochinyere has in the estimation of right thinking Nigerians proven himself in the act of quality representation.

“Dum Dekor should realize that a member of the National Assembly is not only representing his immediate constituency, but also the entire Nigeria as he is entitled to make comments or speak on issues that threatens the peace of any part of the country for which we all took oath to preserve and protect .

“Dum that claims to be an experience legislator should have known this fact and allow Ugochinyere to speak on matters that affect any part of the country as a bonafide member of National Assembly,” the statement added. (The Nation)