By Gloria Ikibah
The member representing Ahoada-East/Abua/Odual Federal Constituency of Rivers State in the House of Representatives, Rep. Solomon Bob, has cautioned his colleague, Rep Ikenga Ugochinyere, from Imo state to desist meddling in Rivers State politics.
Rep. Bob who issued the warning during a press briefing with journalists before Wednesday’s plenary session, accused Ugochinyere of overstepping boundaries and interfering in matters outside his jurisdiction.
“Hon. Ugochinyere’s behaviour warrants serious disciplinary measures from this House. Instead, he is being enabled. This sets a terrible precedent,” Bob stated.
The two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are reportedly aligned with opposing factions in the party. While Ugochinyere supports Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Bob is a staunch ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Bob criticized Ugochinyere for what he described as “reckless actions detrimental to Rivers State and the integrity of the House”.
“How can someone who doesn’t hail from Rivers State, has no ties to our people, and doesn’t live there claim to speak on our behalf? His actions are not only a breach of parliamentary decorum but also an insult to Rivers people,” he said.
The Rivers lawmaker highlighted pressing issues in the state, including insecurity, business disruptions, and children being unable to attend school on Mondays. He accused Ugochinyere of ignoring these challenges in favor of “trivialities.”
Bob also questioned Ugochinyere’s rapid rise to head the Petroleum Resources (Downstream) Committee, despite being a first-time lawmaker.
“It defies logic that someone with only three months of parliamentary experience could head a key committee. It’s unheard of in any serious legislature around the world. The system is being manipulated, and this individual is using blackmail and racketeering to maintain his position,” he alleged.
Bob expressed frustration with the House leadership’s inaction, revealing that the Rivers State caucus had raised concerns about Ugochinyere’s conduct, but no action had been taken.