The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday, adjourned plenary indefinitely over fears of a possible impeachment plot by some lawmakers.
Mr Gbajabiamila, who presided over plenary after weeks of recess, called for an adjournment over speculation of his impeachment.
He hinged the adjournment on the current induction by members-elect.
It was gathered that last week, lawmakers threatened to impeach Mr Gbajabiamila, accusing him of forging the House’s standing rules in favour of Tajudeen Abass as his successor.
The lawmakers alleged that Mr Gbajabiamila falsified the clause on the procedure for electing the Speaker and his deputy in the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (10th edition). They said the doctored document provided that the house presiding officers would be elected through an open ballot against the existing rule of secret ballot.
Some of the lawmakers who spoke on the impeachment plot under the condition of anonymity alleged that the Speaker adjourned the plenary because of the fear of impeachment.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker, had swiftly opposed Mr Gbajabiamila, claiming the adjournment was needless but was rejected.
Mr Wase said the adjournment was improper, adding that the induction could be going on simultaneously with plenary just like it was done at the Senate.
“There has never been a time because of induction, the House suspended plenary.
“I don’t know the attrition rate 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.
“I think there are many issues in the country that we need to face and tackle; we are running out of time Mr Speaker; we have just today and tomorrow for the week.”
He said the days for sitting in the House were clearly stated out in the House order.
Rep. Ibrahim Isaka (APC-Ogun) had moved the motion for the adjournment, seeking the House to be reconvened.
“I cannot be properly accommodated on the programme at the induction ground alongside plenary.
“That is why I am coming under the order of privileges order 6,1,2,3. Mr Speaker, my prayer is that the House do adjourn to allow us to participate in the programme,” he said.
Speaking on the issue, Rep. Abubakar Nalaraba (APC-Nasarawa) said he was aware of the alteration made in the House rule to favour Mr Gbajabiamila’s preferred candidate.
He said, “Some members promised to take it up with him and to bring it as Order of Privilege in the House so that members would discuss why the insertion would be in the House rule in the 10th Assembly.
“I think that might be the reason why he adjourned the house, and that insertion was done probably to make the election seamless for his preferred candidate.’’
Gbajabiamila adjourns plenary indefinitely for fear of impeachment
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.
However, 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.
(NAN)
