Reps Call for Sanctions Against Wike and Council Chairmen for Insubordination
The House of Representatives has demanded sanctions against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and six Area Council Chairmen, citing insubordination and disrespect toward the legislative body.
During a committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Ikonne Ifeanyi, a member of the House Committee on FCT Area Council and Ancillary Matters, expressed his discontent with the minister and the council chairmen for their failure to respond to the House's invitation.
“It was a show of disrespect and lack of regard for the House that the Minister and his council chairmen refused to appear before us as requested,” Ifeanyi stated. He criticized their audacity in dictating their availability to the House, highlighting the risk and effort members take to convene.
Ifeanyi proposed a motion to bring the issue before the House to ensure accountability. “We should not be seen pleading for them to appear before us. They should be the ones seeking us out. If we don’t curb this arrogance, it will continue unabated. Henceforth, we will not approve anything for both the minister and the area council chairmen. Moreover, we will recommend to the president that Wike be removed as the FCT minister,” he asserted.
Rep. Fredrick Agbedi, chairman of the committee, echoed these sentiments, viewing the actions of the minister and council chairmen as a constitutional breach and a disservice to their constituents. Agbedi noted the lack of progress in the area councils, stating that none of the chairmen had initiated, completed, or commissioned any projects, in contrast to the minister's activities.
Rep. Adesola Adebayo (APC-Lagos), another committee member, underscored the House's oversight role over the council areas. Drawing from his experience as a former council chairman of Apapa Local Government in Lagos State, Adebayo emphasized the obligation of council chairmen to report to their legislative bodies. “No chairman in Lagos would dare ignore the State House of Assembly as they hold the power to remove them,” he remarked. Adebayo considered the council chairmen's conduct an affront to the House of Representatives.
The House’s demand for sanctions aims to reinforce the importance of respecting legislative summons and ensuring accountability among public officials
0 Comments