Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Chief Paulinus Odo, a retired Assistant Director, Department of State Services (DSS), has warned members-elect of Enugu State House of Assembly to be careful of whom they employ as close aides after their inauguration.
Odo said this while delivering a lecture entitled “Legislative Security” at a retreat organised by the Labour Party, Enugu State chapter for her members elect.
He said that evidences abound where bad aides had colluded with enemies to harm their masters, either by kidnapping, murder or other obnoxious acts.
“First and foremost, as you are inaugurated in June, know it that your status has changed. You are no longer an ordinary person.
“Therefore, you must be conscious of who you employ as driver, cook gate man and so on.
“Sometimes, enemies can penetrate you through any of these aides. It has happened several times in so many states.
“When you are too strong for your enemies they look for other means of getting at you; so, beware,” Odo said.
He also advised the members-elect to shun acts capable of putting their integrity into question as honorable members.
“You may be approached by the opposition with mouth-watering offers to do certain things against your party, since you are the majority.
“Such actions may lead to chaos in the house. It is left for you and your conscience, whatever you do, you should be ready to account for it tomorrow,” he warned.
Odo, who was secretary of the security committee for Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Council in Enugu State, also advised them to always be security conscious within and outside the chambers so as not to be caught unawares.
He said that any action taken by the honourable members on the floor of the assembly must surely impact positively or negatively on the happenings outside.
According to him: “What it then means is that anything you do on the floor of the house will reflect either positively or negatively outside.
“Your constituents will always want to know what you have done or said and whether this is in tandem with their motives for voting for you.
“This may cause people to harm you or cause disaffection in the society; so, know that your conduct is under check at all times.”
