A group of analysts have differed on the suspension of six members of the Imo State House of Assemby.
The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Paul Emeziem, had suspended the lawmakers during the plenary on Thursday, for “acts bordering on unparliamentary conduct”
The suspended members are Hon Uche Ogbuagu (APC, Ikeduru), Hon.Phillip Ejiogu (PDP, Owerri North), Hon.Onyemaechi Njoku (APC, Ihitte Uboma), Hon Anyadike Nwosu (Ezinihitte Mbaise), Hon.Dominic Ezerioha (APC, Oru West) and Hon.Kennedy Ibe (APC, Obowo)
Mr. Cletus Onyeike, said the mode of suspension of the lawmakers was illegal, while Dr. Clems Ohanele, said there is nothing wrong if the House decides to suspend some of its members for various reasons.
Ohanele said “There is absolutely nothing wrong if the House decides to suspend it’s members. It could be based on acts of indiscipline or anything considered unparliamentary.
“In most cases, it has to do with internal issues in the House and most times, if some of the lawmakers are caught on the wrong side of the divide, they risk being suspended.
“A lot of politicking go in the House, and sometimes, issues get to a head, which may lead to altercations and invariably lead to suspension of some members” Ohanele said.
Mr. Onyeike however disagreed, saying “A law maker cannot be sanctioned or removed from his seat.
He stated “Section 68 and 69 of the 1999 constitution exhaustively stated how a law maker may vacate his seat.
“This can only be done by death, resignation or recall of the lawmaker by the registered voters or electors in his electoral constituency or in case of defection from the party platform from which he was elected (without a division in that party)
“In addition a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction may remove a legislator.
“A lawmaker can only be suspended in clear accordance with constitutional provisions,the said ammendment is dead on arrival as it contravenes all fours of the constitutional provision.