by Akan Ido

The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Eugene Odo, yesterday ordered the arrest of the commissioner for poverty reduction, Godwin Ogenyi, for failing to appear before the house.

The commissioner who was said to be in the premises of the House of Assembly reportedly disappeared when it was time to appear before the Honourable members.

Odo expressed surprise at the commissioner’s action saying Ogenyi was just invited by the House for a friendly discussion.

He said the commissioner was invited to explain to what extent the state government had provided palliative measures for commercial motorcyclists following the ban on their operation in the state capital.

Contributing to the debate Okey Nwoke (PDP-Igboetiti West) said it was a surprise that he absconded without excuse.

“This is tantamount to holding the assembly to ransom. I wish the house will raise contempt if the commissioner did not give cogent reason for his action,’’ Nwoke said.

The Enugu State police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said he was yet to be briefed on the arrest.