The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the alleged conduct of members of the Abia State House of Assembly, who reportedly travelled abroad under unclear circumstances after publicly declaring their intention to go to Abuja in solidarity with the call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD described the development as troubling and unprecedented, noting that it was improper for an entire sub-national legislature to vacate its seat of authority and leave the country during an active legislative period without any formal communication to the people of Abia State.
According to the group, there was no record of a House resolution announcing a recess or any public notice informing constituents about a suspension of the earlier resolved protest.
FENRAD said the lawmakers’ alleged actions amount to a breach of parliamentary ethics and a dereliction of duty by elected representatives who owe their constituents accountability and service. The group noted that reports of lawmakers departing with large travel suitcases, without formal handover procedures or recess declarations, undermined democratic governance and the rule of law in the state.
“Democracy thrives on transparency, deliberation, and engagement with the electorate. The actions of the Assembly, as currently understood, violate these principles and reflect a disturbing culture of legislative impunity and detachment from the people,” the statement read in part.
The organisation, therefore, demanded:
1.Immediate clarification from the leadership of the Abia State House of Assembly on the status of the earlier resolved protest and reasons for its apparent abandonment.
2.A formal statement from the Speaker and the Clerk of the House on whether the Assembly is currently on recess, and under what legal or procedural framework.
3.An investigation by relevant oversight bodies — including the Abia Civil Society community and appropriate federal institutions — into the use of public funds for the alleged overseas trip.
4.A renewed commitment by the legislature to uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity in its dealings with the people.
FENRAD reminded all public office holders that leadership is a public trust and must be exercised with responsibility and openness.
“Legislative vacuum is not only unparliamentary; it is undemocratic,” the statement concluded.
