By  PETER OKUTU
ABAKALIKI — EBONYI State chapter of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Monday, called on the National Assembly to mete out severe punishment on members found guilty of certificate forgery, aside from the verdict of the court on the matter.

Chairman of APGA in the state, Mr. Jerry Obasi, who made the recommendation while fielding questions from newsmen in Abakaliki, stated that it was embarrassing for some so-called honourable members to get involved in certificate forgery, as they were supposed to be exemplary on issues of national interest.

He said: “If someone is found guilty of forgery as the case is in Ebonyi state, the Salisu Buhari option should be the case; the person should honourably resign or be ejected from the national assembly.”

I urge the National Assembly to also mete out punishment to this person outside what the court will do. Even when it may be clear that most of them are parading forged certificates.

“Well, it is quite unfortunate that such a thing is happening at this point in time when we are suppose to strengthen democracy and the integrity of the body polity in Ebonyi state and Nigeria.

“For instance, there is a situation of certificate forgery on the part of an honourable member at the House of Representatives, though it has not been proven, but with what we have seen, it is clear that there were traces of forgeries within his profile or resume which he gave at various quarters to run elections.”

He accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of fielding candidates who were not academically qualified to run election in the last April general election in the state, alleging that Ebonyi State House of representatives member representing Ezza South/ Ikwo federal constituency, (names withheld), whose matter was still being investigated, forged the certificate he used during Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, screening in the last election.

“It is very wrong because if you want equity you must come with clean hands. So, it is quite unfortunate that our legislative arms or body at the national level which is supposed to be of exemplary behaviour but are not.

“APGA is a grass root political party that is conscientious and believes in good morale, prudence and oneness of this country and Ebonyi state. We vehemently condemn the level of unethical behaviour

as expressed by the PDP at the level of the House of Representatives.

PDP has shown highhandedness more especially in terms of certifications of their representatives at various political offices.

“I look at this government that is led by Governor Martin Elechi to be very exemplary but look at the way the government has damaged its self. Even also, that the national award given across the country, the worse we heard of it was the type that Ebonyi also showcased were thugs whose hands are stained with blood are those given national honours is quite unfortunate. I take exception to that and I exonerate myself from such executive madness.”