By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
The House of Representatives descended into chaos on Tuesday during a fiery plenary session, where lawmakers rejected several motions of urgent public importance aimed at safeguarding lives and critical government assets, sparking widespread outrage and shouts from the floor.
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The uproar erupted following a contentious motion sponsored by Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos), alleging illegal and criminal allocation of federal lands at the International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. Kuye proposed an ad hoc committee probe, but opposition from members insisting the Standing Committee on Commerce handle it led to a divisive vote.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, presiding over the session, ruled in favor of the ad hoc panel, but the decision ignited fury. Several lawmakers, expressing deep dissatisfaction, consistently voted against subsequent motions many touching on national security, public safety, and asset protection only to be overruled repeatedly by Kalu.
Sources within the Green Chamber revealed the rejected motions included calls for urgent interventions on rising insecurity in border communities (protection of lives) and safeguards for federal infrastructure like ports and trade hubs (key government assets). “No more motions today!” echoed through the hall as irate reps shouted down attempts to proceed, halting business for over an hour.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “near-brawl,” with members banging desks and pointing fingers. One anonymous lawmaker told DDNewsOnline: “This isn’t about one motion; it’s frustration boiling over. How can we protect Nigerians when our own house is divided on basics like life and property?”
Kuye defended his proposal, stating: “The Trade Fair lands are federal assets worth billions, illegally grabbed. An ad hoc committee ensures transparency.” The site, managed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, hosts events generating millions annually but has faced encroachment claims since 2023.
The session, part of the 10th Assembly’s ongoing push for oversight, adjourned abruptly without resolving the backlog. House Leader Julius Ihomobor called for calm, promising resumption Wednesday.
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This marks the second rowdy plenary in two months, following a September clash over budget padding allegations. Critics, including civil society groups, decried the rejections as “legislative sabotage,” urging Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to intervene.
DDNewsOnline