‘We Are Not a Banana Republic!’ — Omo-Agege Explodes Over Delta Assembly’s Removal of Udu Lawmaker
By Passman Akpos
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has strongly condemned the reported decision of the Delta State House of Assembly to declare the seat of Collins Egbetamah vacant, describing the move as unconstitutional, arbitrary, and a direct assault on democracy.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, Omo-Agege argued that the action was not a legitimate constitutional process but a politically motivated decision designed to silence the people of Udu State Constituency and undermine democratic representation.
He maintained that the Assembly failed to comply with constitutional provisions governing the declaration of legislative seats vacant, insisting that Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution provides exceptions where a lawmaker defects due to divisions within their original political party.
According to him, no legislative hearing was conducted to establish the facts surrounding Egbetamah’s defection, nor was there any judicial determination before the Assembly acted.
The former senator further accused the lawmakers of denying Egbetamah his constitutional right to a fair hearing, stressing that a mandate freely given by the electorate could not be taken away through what he described as a voice vote conducted in a single sitting.
“We are not a Banana Republic,” Omo-Agege declared, warning that bypassing due process threatens the country’s constitutional order and encourages tyranny and injustice.
Drawing from his own political experience, Omo-Agege recalled that a similar attempt had once been made to remove him from office while serving as senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, but the courts upheld the rule of law.
He alleged that the speed and unanimity with which the Assembly reached its decision suggested a predetermined political agenda aimed at discouraging defections from the ruling party.
According to him, the people of Udu Local Government Area have effectively been denied representation despite electing their lawmaker, arguing that Egbetamah had endured years of political persecution because of his affiliation with the All Progressives Congress.
Omo-Agege insisted that every legislator has the constitutional right to associate with any political party, subject only to the limits prescribed by the Constitution.
He called on the Delta State House of Assembly to immediately reverse its decision and restore Egbetamah’s seat after granting him the fair hearing he was allegedly denied.
The former deputy senate president also urged the courts to intervene swiftly if the matter is taken before the judiciary, warning that Udu State Constituency should not be left without representation as a result of what he described as an arbitrary and premeditated decision.
