Abuja: Tensions flared in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as lawmakers clashed over the formation of a committee to investigate alleged irregularities at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
The motion, sponsored by Rep. Ademorin Kuye (APC-Lagos), was rejected as members could not agree on which committee to lead the probe.
Moving the motion earlier, Kuye had prayed that the house refer the matter to the Committee on Public Assets, which he chairs, a view also held by Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau).
However, the Chairman of the Rules and Business Committee, Rep. Francis Waive (APC-Delta), moved an amendment that the probe be handled by the Committee on Commerce, a view corroborated by Rep. Mark Esset (APC-Akwa Ibom).
On his part, Rep. Gbefwi Gaza (APC-Nasarawa) urged the house to set up an ad-hoc committee to probe the matter, a view that was rejected by the house in a noisy atmosphere.
The disagreement led to the rejection of subsequent motions moved on the floor of the house, which appeared to be a protest.
The motions rejected included the establishment of a military base in Baruten/Kaima Federal Constituency of Kwara to curb insecurity and the need to address Nigeria’s designation as a ‘country of particular concern’ by President Donald Trump of the United States of America.
The Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, called for an executive session in a bid to restore order.
The house then went into a closed-door meeting, which lasted for about 20 minutes.
