By: Felix Ikpotor
The legislative chamber of any state or national assembly is usually described as “hallowed chambers” because laws and decisions that affect the entire state or nation are taken there.
This implies that anybody that is given the opportunity to be in it either as a member or a nominee to be screened and appointed into any political office is expected to accord the chambers utmost respect and also conduct himself in the most dignified manner.
The reverse was the case Thursday, on the floor of the Rivers State House of Assembly, RVHA, as nominees for the positon of caretaker committees for twenty local councils of the state were screened and confirmed by the House.
A drama and what some of the lawmakers described as an insult to the house occurred when the nominee for chairmanship of Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, Mr. Collins Onunwor while being cross examined was asked by the lawmaker representing Akuku –Toru Constituency 1, Mr. Major Jack to recite the national anthem.
To the chagrin of the lawmakers and spectators, the nominee screamed, “at this age? This is something I did in my primary and secondary school” and laughed it off.
Onunwor refused to recite the national anthem or say anything but rather sat down even when he was still expected to stand.
Leader of the assembly and member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency 1, Martin Chike Amaewhule realizing the gravity off what his constituent had done attempted a cover up for him by requesting the speaker, Dabotorudima Adams to overrule the question as unnecessary and to safe time since the assembly had other matters to attend which the speaker obliged.
Infuriated by the action of Collins Onunwor, the member representing Port Harcourt Constituency 3, Victor Ihunwor said the nominees action undermines the power of the Assembly and insisted that he must recite the anthem.
It was at this point that the nominee boldly said, “I cannot.”
Whip of the House, Evans Bipi on his part, questioned if Onunwor was bigger than ministerial nominees that are always asked to recite the national anthem and advised him to comport himself whenever he is opportune to appear on the floor of the house.
Not satisfied, the member representing Port Harcourt Constituency 2, Tonye Smart Adoki said Collins Onunwor’s action was an insult to the house and demanded an apology.
At this point the nominee who is returning to the council haven served as chairman in the immediate past caretaker committee apologized to the lawmakers by saying, “if my action on the floor of the house has caused you any form of insult I am sorry”.
The screening of the CTC chairmen and members followed a letter sent to it by the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike requesting the house to screen and confirm the nominees.
The letter was read in plenary by the speaker.
After the screening, the CTC chairmen and members were confirmed by the house.
While confirming the CTC chairmen and members, the speaker, Dabotorudima Adams charged them to be alive to their duties, adding that it would not be business as usual as the house will from time to time be visiting the councils on oversight functions.
They screened chairmen are expected to be sworn-in by the governor.
Some of the confirmed chairman are Nwanosike Samuel for Ikwerre, Collins Onunwor for Obio/Akpor, Osi Olisa for Ogba/Egema/Ndoni, Baridakara Nsaanee for Khana among others.
