ABEOKUTA—There
was commotion at the Ogun State House of Assembly, yesterday, after the mace, a
symbol of authority of the House, was broken by aggrieved lawmakers obstructing
the Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi, from announcing the suspension of four members.
was commotion at the Ogun State House of Assembly, yesterday, after the mace, a
symbol of authority of the House, was broken by aggrieved lawmakers obstructing
the Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi, from announcing the suspension of four members.
Already two
lawmakers, Suraj Adekunbi ane Remmy Hassan are laying claim to the speakership.
lawmakers, Suraj Adekunbi ane Remmy Hassan are laying claim to the speakership.
This was
compounded by alleged possession of guns by some lawmakers prompting the
security agents to thoroughly search some of the lawmakers, journalists and
visitors to the chamber.
compounded by alleged possession of guns by some lawmakers prompting the
security agents to thoroughly search some of the lawmakers, journalists and
visitors to the chamber.
As if this
was not enough, another Speaker, Remmy Hassan was purportedly elected by 14
lawmakers after the first rowdy plenary where four of them were suspended.
was not enough, another Speaker, Remmy Hassan was purportedly elected by 14
lawmakers after the first rowdy plenary where four of them were suspended.
Trouble
started few minutes after the commencement of the proceedings around 11a.m.
when the Speaker announced the plan to sanction four members that allegedly
disregarded the House rules at the last sitting.
started few minutes after the commencement of the proceedings around 11a.m.
when the Speaker announced the plan to sanction four members that allegedly
disregarded the House rules at the last sitting.
According to
Adekunbi, Remmy Hassan, Olufemi Akintan, Adija Adeleye-Oladapo and John Obafemi
reprenting Odogbolu; Egbado North 11; Ifo 11 and Remo North constituencies had
been suspended for “various acts bordering on unparliamentary behaviour
and gross disrespect to the legislative institution.”
Adekunbi, Remmy Hassan, Olufemi Akintan, Adija Adeleye-Oladapo and John Obafemi
reprenting Odogbolu; Egbado North 11; Ifo 11 and Remo North constituencies had
been suspended for “various acts bordering on unparliamentary behaviour
and gross disrespect to the legislative institution.”
In an attempt
to counter their suspension one of the affected lawmakers, Khadijat
Adeleye-Oladapo rose, allegedly grabbed the mace placed before the Speaker and
broke it.
to counter their suspension one of the affected lawmakers, Khadijat
Adeleye-Oladapo rose, allegedly grabbed the mace placed before the Speaker and
broke it.
She was
subsequently joined by other aggrieved lawmakers numbering about 13 who then
smashed the mace.
subsequently joined by other aggrieved lawmakers numbering about 13 who then
smashed the mace.
Adekunbi had
called the majority leader of the House, Isreal Jolaosho, to move the motion
for the suspension of the four lawmakers before the lawmakers broke the mace.
called the majority leader of the House, Isreal Jolaosho, to move the motion
for the suspension of the four lawmakers before the lawmakers broke the mace.
Announcing
their suspension Adekunbi said: “Consequently, these Honourable members are not
to be seen within the premises of the Ogun State House of Assembly henceforth.”
their suspension Adekunbi said: “Consequently, these Honourable members are not
to be seen within the premises of the Ogun State House of Assembly henceforth.”
The House
comprising 26 lawmakers has been polarised into two groups with both Adekunbi
and Remmy Hassan leading the factions.
comprising 26 lawmakers has been polarised into two groups with both Adekunbi
and Remmy Hassan leading the factions.
Attempt by
the Speaker, to reconvene the House at 2:30pm was aborted as Remmy Hassan
prevented the Speaker from seating, saying “Suraju has been suspended, he is no
more our Speaker, I am the Speaker protem.”
the Speaker, to reconvene the House at 2:30pm was aborted as Remmy Hassan
prevented the Speaker from seating, saying “Suraju has been suspended, he is no
more our Speaker, I am the Speaker protem.”
Briefing
after the commotion, Adekunbi explained that he tried to give all the lawmakers
equal right during the plenary.
after the commotion, Adekunbi explained that he tried to give all the lawmakers
equal right during the plenary.
Source:
Vanguard
Vanguard
