The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy President of the 9th Senate, have strongly condemned the Delta State House of Assembly’s decision to declare the seat of Hon. Egbetamah Ovie Collins, representative of Udu State Constituency, vacant following his defection to the NDC. They described the move as unconstitutional, unjust, politically motivated, and a direct threat to democratic principles in the state. The action, taken without a fair hearing or judicial review, has sparked widespread criticism from political leaders and civil society groups.
In a statement signed by McCollins Nwose, Delta State Publicity Secretary of the NDC, the party accused the Assembly of applying double standards. It pointed out that lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the past retained their seats without similar penalties. The NDC argued that such inconsistency undermines the credibility of the legislative body and sets a dangerous precedent for political dissent in the state.
The party emphasized that the mandate of Egbetamah belongs to the people of Udu State Constituency, not to any political party. Removing him from office solely for switching allegiance, they said, violates constitutional provisions and disrespects the will of the electorate. The NDC called on civil society organizations, democracy advocates, and the people of Delta State to reject the decision and defend constitutional democracy.
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in a personally signed statement released on Wednesday, described the Assembly’s action as “hasty, arbitrary, oppressive, and illegal.” He stressed that the decision was not based on constitutional housekeeping but on political motives. As the Obarisi of Urhoboland, Omo-Agege condemned the move for disrespecting the people of Udu, the wider Urhobo nation, and Delta State as a whole.
He specifically challenged the legal basis cited by the Assembly, referencing Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution. While the provision allows for the removal of a lawmaker who defects, Omo-Agege noted that it includes an exception for defections arising from internal party divisions. He emphasized that this critical factor was never examined in any legislative hearing, and no judicial determination was made. The process, he said, was rushed to achieve a predetermined outcome.
Senator Omo-Agege warned that legislative mandates cannot be terminated without due process. He stressed that a fair hearing is a constitutional right, and bypassing it amounts to tyranny. “A mandate freely given by the people of Udu cannot be extinguished in a single sitting by voice vote,” he stated. “That is disturbing, disrespectful, and unacceptable. We are not a Banana Republic.”
The controversy has raised serious concerns about the rule of law and democratic governance in Delta State. As the debate continues, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the situation will be resolved and whether it will influence future political dynamics in the region.
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