Delta Assembly Suspends APC Lawmaker for Protesting Alleged Plagiarism of His Bill Presented as Executive Bill

Matthew Omonade, the chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, has been suspended for 14 days in the Delta State House of Assembly over allegations of plagiarizing his bill. The suspension was enforced by Speaker Emomotimi Guwor after a motion by Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi, seconded by House Chief Whip Perkins Umukoro. Omonade was instructed to leave the House for the suspension period and surrender all government properties, including his official vehicle.

The House accused Omonade of intentionally distorting the House proceedings on May 8, 2024, breaching the House’s rules. However, an inquiry by SaharaReporters disclosed that Omonade’s suspension was not due to severe misconduct but for a bill he introduced, which the Speaker failed to acknowledge and later presented as an “Executive Bill” without Omonade’s consent, seen as “intellectual theft.” A senior House member, apprehensive of repercussions, verified that Omonade was penalized for contesting the House regarding his plagiarized bill and for requesting its withdrawal.

Omonade urged his constituents and supporters to stay composed, portraying the matter as an internal House affair. He advised against making accusations or launching attacks, encouraging them to pursue peace for the benefit of their constituents.