The House of Representatives turned chaotic on Tuesday after lawmakers rejected several motions of urgent public importance concerning national security and the protection of public assets.
Presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the plenary session became disorderly, prompting lawmakers to enter a closed-door meeting to restore calm.
The uproar began when Ademorin Kuye (APC, Somolu, Lagos), Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, raised a motion alleging illegal allocation of land at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. He urged the House to refer the matter to his committee for investigation.
However, Francis Waive (APC, Delta), Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, proposed that the matter should instead go to the Committee on Commerce, arguing it was within its jurisdiction.
Waive’s amendment was supported by Mark Esset (PDP, Akwa Ibom), while Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) backed Kuye, insisting the Public Assets Committee was the appropriate body.
As arguments dragged on, Gbefwi Gaza (SDP, Nasarawa) suggested forming an ad hoc committee combining members from both committees to investigate the matter.
When Kalu called for a voice vote, the chamber was split almost evenly. Unable to clearly determine the louder side, Kalu ruled in favor of the nays, triggering a noisy protest from many lawmakers.
Next, Mohammed Bio (APC, Kwara) presented a motion urging the military to establish a base in his constituency to address escalating insecurity. Surprisingly, most lawmakers voted against it, further heightening tensions.
Sensing discontent over Kuye’s earlier motion, the Deputy Speaker tried to maintain order. However, when another motion by Ayodeji Alao-Akala (Oyo) on the need to respond to the United States’ classification of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” met similar opposition, Kalu overruled dissenting voices and allowed it to pass.
This decision sparked fresh outrage, forcing yet another suspension of proceedings for a closed-door session.
Further details to follow.
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