Why Court Sacked Delta Assembly Deputy Speaker

By Iteveh Ekpokpobe

A Delta State High Court sitting in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the State, has removed the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Friday Osanebi over alleged falsification of Information.

The court presided over by Justice V. I. Ofezi ordered the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC to immediately withdraw the certificate of return it issued Mr Friday Osanebi who is member representing Ndokwa East Constituency and issue same to Mr Emeka Odegbe, saying he is the validly nominated candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the 2015 general election.

The Deputy Speaker was seen leaving the hallowed chambers barely 20 minutes into commencement of yesterday’s plenary.

The judgement is coming barely a week after a supreme court judgement reaffirmed the status of Hon. Reuben Izeze as member representing Ughelli South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly.

Reacting to the development, Press Secretary to The Deputy Speaker, Comr. Agbanishi Obinne said that there was no cause for alarm.

“We admonish our teeming supporters to remain calm and relaxed, for there is no cause of alarm, because the judgement has since been appealed and the Deputy Speaker is not distracted either . He’s still very focused, making frantic efforts for the empowerment and holistic transformation of our people.” The statement read.

Meanwhile, the House in a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori had earlier congratulated member representing Ughelli South Constituency, Hon Reuben Izeze, on his victory at the supreme court against Mr Festus Utuama.

Izeze, in his reaction commended the State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa,  the State House of Assembly and various stakeholders for their contribution and faith to the cause while it lasted.