Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has disclosed Abia House member, Alex Ikwechegh, cannot be suspended without prior investigation and fair hearing.
Ikwechegh, was in the news earlier this week for physically and verbally assaulting an e-hailing (Bolt) driver who asked him to walk to the car to receive the package he ordered.
Reacting to public backlash calling for Alex’ suspension, Kalu said: “According to our rules, we cannot act according to what everyone wants us to do.
“We are guided by our rules and our rules remains that if at any point we feel that the integrity and dignity of the parliament has been threatened and scratched, we investigate through our internal structure in the eyes of principles of natural justice, which is fair hearing.
“That is what we put in our rules. It is not good for us to judge ahead of time and take razz decision.
“Therefore in line with the prayers of the leader of the house, that this matter be referred to the committee on Ethics and Privilege for him to be heard.
“His appeal was very emotional, very touching, shows remorse, I was touched, but that is not enough.”
Source: X | thecableng
