Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, saved his job on Wednesday after he got wind that his colleagues were plotting to impeach him.
The crisis in the nation’s lower chamber of the National Assembly is not unconnected with allegation by some lawmakers that the Speaker is trying to foist Tajudeen Abass on them as the next speaker.
No fewer that five aspirants to the position have kicked after the All Progressives Congress, APC, announced Abass as its preference for the position.
The angry lawmekers sensed that it’s the handwork of Gbajabiamila to make the lawmaker from Kaduna State to succeed him.
But sources said that some lawmakers had vowed to ensure that this did happen, and have perfected plans to impeach Gbajabiamila over what they described as the “imposition” of Tajudeen Abbas as the consensus candidate for House Speakership.
Some of the lawmakers alleged that the speaker adjourned the plenary because of the fear of impeachment.
Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker, had in a swift move opposed Gbajabiamila, claiming the adjournment was needless but it was rejected.
Wase said the adjournment was not proper; adding that the induction could be going on simultaneously with plenary just like it was done at the Senate.
According to Wase, “I respect the view of distinguish colleagues, Rep Ibrahim Isaka, who moved for the adjournment, but I think Mr. Speaker this institution has a lot memories.
“There has never been a time because of induction the House suspended plenary.
“I don’t know the rate of attrition in terms of those who are back to the House compared to those who are now not returning, that we have to adjourn the House because of induction.”
Earlier, Rep. Isaka (APC-Ogun) had come under Order 6, 1 and 2 for mater of privileges to move his motion.
According to him, “My point of order is that today as we speak, induction programme is on-going at the ICC, which I am privileged together with other members to be part of Batch B.
“Last week because of this same programme the House adjourned, the plenary was not in session but today because of the plenary I have to be here while this programme is ongoing.
“I cannot be properly accommodated on the programme at the induction ground alongside plenary.”
Isiaka urged the House to reconvene after the programme, saying, “I am not the only victim of this, there are other members who are complaining about their privileges. I so move.”
Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau), one of the aspirants for the 10th National assembly speaker, raised his hand and attempted to speak but was equally ignored.
Meanwhile, the Senate has been sitting since the induction of lawmakers began, while the House of Reps which reconvened on May 17, immediately called for adjournment after many postponements.
Speaking on the issue, Rep. Abubakar Nalaraba (APC-Nasarawa) said he was aware of the alteration made in the House rule to favour Gbajabiamila’s preferred candidate.
The doctored standing rules referred to as the 10th edition cited, has a new provision for electing the Speaker and Deputy through an open ballot instead of the existing rule of secret ballot that has been in use since 1999.
Section 2 (f) (iii) of the controversial clause captioned “election of presiding officers” stated that, “every member voting shall name clearly and in the open the candidate of his choice.”
Gbajabiamila is being accused of single-handedly manipulating the rules of the House to edge out other aspirants in favour of his preferred candidate.
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