I was not involved in a brawl – Rep

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr. Leo Ogor, on Sunday, said the November 10 People’s Public Sessions on the review of the 1999 Constitution was a success.

He, however, expressed shock that political opponents in his constituency alleged he was involved in a brawl with a youth leader at the event.

Ogor, who represents Isoko Federal Constituency of Delta State, noted that the “impressive turnout” of people at the sessions demonstrated the enthusiasm of Nigerians to support any idea that would improve on democratic governance.

“It was a well-attended event in my constituency, which was peaceful from the beginning to the end. There were no security issues of any kind,” he told journalists on Sunday.

He said he was surprised when, 24 hours after the sessions ended, he read reports indicating that he was involved in a brawl with a youth leader in his constituency.

The lawmaker, who insisted that there was nothing close to a fracas during the event, blamed the reports on his political opponents.

He said, “There was nothing of such in my constituency. They merely roped me in an imaginary fracas that never occurred.

“They just created the fracas; that I, Ogor, fought a youth leader. It is all lies.”

The deputy leader explained that contrary to the reports, the youth leader, Mr. Isaac Ogaga-Egbuwokwu,   had a disagreement with one of his aides, which was resolved amicably by some elders.

Ogor said, “The said publication was not only orchestrated to rubbish my image, but to paint a negative impression of Leo Ogor before the entire world.

“Over the years, I have built a flawless reputation and a political career of integrity and credibility.

“I believe that this kind of publication is aimed at smearing my name and rising political profile, especially now that we are approaching another election period.”

The deputy leader had reported the matter to the House in plenary on Thursday last week, where he tendered a copy of one of the publications (not The PUNCH).

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, who presided over the session, had referred the complaint to the standing Committee on Ethics and Privileges for further investigations.